CIP funds will pay for new a/c system for hospital, while Gov’t will cover treatment abroad for woman injured on motorcade

Once again, the Gaston Browne Administration will be relying on the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) to rescue the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, the country’s lone public hospital.

During its sitting on Wednesday, February 22, the Cabinet reportedly invited Dr. Albert Duncan, the hospital’s medical director,  to address issues affecting the institution and its growing needs.

Reports say the central air-conditioning system has stopped working, and this has caused surgeries to be restricted to emergencies only.  

As a result, the Executive has pledged to deploy resources from the CIP’s National Development Fund to pay for a new system.

In the meantime, however, a temporary fix will be installed in the operating rooms to ensure the hospital’s most critical system is able to function, the Cabinet Notes say.

In addition to that issue, the Cabinet reports it has also learned that “the specially created floor cover of the (hospital) has deteriorated over time with use.”

Consequently, a number of contractors will be invited to bid on the upgrade, utilizing the system relied upon by hospitals, the Cabinet Notes say.

On a related issue, the young woman who was injured during a recent Antigua Labour Party motorcade is said to be recovering well; however, she will have to travel abroad for further medical attention.

Sonja Henry fell from a truck six weeks ago, but reportedly has reached a stage of recovery that will allow her to be sent abroad for further surgeries and treatment.

The hospital’s director received the assurance from the Cabinet that her travel and treatment costs will be met by the Government.