Sascha Wilson
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh is promising upgrades to the three legacy public hospitals over the next two years.
Speaking with reporters during his tour at the San Fernando General Hospital earlier today, the Minister admitted that the hospitals have fallen into a state of disrepair.
However, he said he has requested from Planning and Development Minister Pennelope Beckles-Robinson an allocation of $34 million from the Public Sector Investment Programme for this fiscal year for the San Fernando General Hospital, Eric Williams Medical Science Complex and Port-of-Spain General Hospital.
Zeroing in on San Fernando, the Minister said they are embarking on a much-needed total renovation and restoration of the hospital, including replacing tiles and modernising the wards, to transform it into a world-class facility.
Reiterating his disappointment with the current oncology facility in South, Deyalsingh said they were hoping to open the new oncology centre at Augustus Long Hospital in June/July next year.
Noting that the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) is the largest in the country, Deyalsingh said it accounts for 32 per cent of the annual live births. Elated that there have been no maternal deaths so far this year, he said 3254 babies were born at the hospital to date.
The Minister also advised people with non-communicable diseases to be careful of what they were eating and drinking during this festive season.
With the Carnival season already in swing, the Minister also cautioned people against "dumping" their elderly loved ones in the hospital, while they go feting.