By Floyd French
Observer Reporter
Top officials toured the site of a hospital now under construction on St. Kitts and said they are pleased with the progress of the project.
Prime Minister Denzil Douglas and the minister responsible for health, Hon. Rupert Herbert, toured the Pogson Hospital construction site on St. Kitts. The Jan. 10 tour was guided by contractors directly involved in the work.
The EC $2.5 million project began in March, 2007 and is expected to be completed in December, 2008.
The prime minister thanked all those involved in the project and said he was very pleased with the progress.
The Pogson Hospital “will improve the health care facilities in the country,” Dr. Douglas said.
Andrew Skerritt, Health Planner, said the new facility will house a dental clinic, medical laboratory, pharmacy, morgue and its own emergency service.
The hospital will maintain childbirth facilities in keeping with the wishes of the philanthropist Pogson, who donated the lands where the hospital is located for that specific purpose, Skerritt said.
Minister Herbert highlighted those services as major difference between the old and new Pogson Hospital. He also pointed out that the emergency services of the new hospital will serve the residents of Sandy Point and the surrounding areas.
Project Manager of the construction, Li Yong, said it was an honour to be involved in the construction of the Pogson Hospital. He said he and his team are “confident to do the project.” Yong assured the Prime Minister and Minister Herbert that the project is running smoothly with the help of the Ministry of Health and other government departments.
