In July 2018, the government opened the Modern Medical & Diagnostic Centre (MMDC) in Georgetown.
That facility, when coupled with the adjacent Georgetown Smart Hospital, represents a fundamental expansion and decentralisation of high-quality health services in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
In the first six months of its operation, the MMDC received 4,300 Accident & Emergency visits; 1,800 lab visits; performed 4,900 tests; issued 3,700 prescriptions; conducted 1,100 X-rays, 2,500 ultrasounds and EKGs, 140 surgical procedures in the operating theatre; while treating 53 oncology patients (including 11 on chemotherapy) and 22 regular dialysis patients. All of these numbers are expected to rise.
In 2019, we will open new, state-of-the-art polyclinics at Buccament and Mesopotamia. These facilities will further reduce reliance on the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital by offering services ranging from maternity to dentistry to radiology to ophthalmology to urology, and many others.
Combined, these two polyclinics and the one at Stubbs will employ 76 personnel, 65 of whom are trained in the range of medical, nursing and health fields.
In addition to these new polyclinics, renovations are continuing under the SMART hospital initiative funded by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
A few weeks ago, we completed SMART upgrades to the Chateaubelair clinic. In 2019, we will commence upgrades to clinic facilities in Mayreau, Union Island, Bequia, Stubbs and Barrouallie.
The World Bank-funded design of the 140-bed acute referral hospital at the site of the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport is proceeding satisfactorily, and is expected to be completed by mid-year.
Constructing and equipping this ultramodern hospital will cost an estimated US$50 million. The Government is in the process of securing financing for this important infrastructural anchor for the new city at Arnos Vale.
From a personnel standpoint, the 2019 Budget prudently accommodates our expanding hospital and clinic offerings while buttressing human resources in support of existing services.
