$300 Million Set Aside For UHWI Modernisation Project

The Government has allocated $300 million to begin modernisation of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

The works are part of a major redevelopment project at the hospital, which includes the construction of a new tower with 58 additional bed spaces, 35 neonatal cots and seven major theatres, and the purchase of medical equipment.

As stated in the 2022/2023 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, the funds earmarked for the new financial year will facilitate the re-routing of the ring road, construction of a new car park, and completing the process for approvals from the Jamaica Fire Brigade, National Environment and Planning Agency and the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation

The UHWI is a 584-bed hospital, with numerous outpatient units and diverse specialised services.

It remains a regional training facility for medical experts and healthcare professionals and is a centre of excellence for teaching, research and patient care, and is the premier referral hospital in the Caribbean region.

The hospital provides critical care services, which include Accident and Emergency, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Coronary Care Unit (CCU), and Specialist Care consisting of cardiac and complex neurosurgical procedures.

UHWI is a regional quaternary referral centre, providing other Caribbean countries with an affordable option for critical services.