Government Spends $62 Million on Upgrading of Infirmaries

The Government spent $62 million during the 2013/14 financial year to undertake the refurbishing of infirmaries across the island.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Colin Fagan, made the disclosure on Wednesday, June 25, during his contribution to the 2014/15 Sectoral debate in the House of Representatives.

He informed that a new ward was constructed at the Hanover Infirmary at a cost of $33 million, and a new sewage system installed for an additional $9 million.

Refurbishing work was also undertaken at the isolation ward at the Manchester Infirmary at a cost of $5 million, while the St. Mary and Hanover Infirmaries received solar water heaters and panels from the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority at a cost of $6 million.

A new sewage system at the St. Thomas Infirmary was also completed at a cost of $11 million. “This will enable the connection of the new sewage system to the ward, which will be occupied shortly,” Mr. Fagan said.

He informed that ‘B Ward’ of the Portland Infirmary was repaired, and the facility re-roofed at a cost of $2.3 million.

In addition, the perimeter fencing at the St. Mary Infirmary was completed at a cost of $1.2 million and new lighting fixtures installed to improve security at the premises.

“We are (also) sustaining the food and vegetable gardens and poultry projects at the infirmaries, which are used mainly to supplement the diet of the residents,” Mr. Fagan told the House.

Meanwhile, in this financial year, the Government will continue to improve and upgrade facilities with infrastructural works to be carried out at the Manchester, St. James, Portland, Clarendon, and St. Ann infirmaries.

The State Minister also noted that focus will be placed on improving the perimeter fencing at some facilities, as well as installing solar and water harvesting systems to reduce water and energy consumption costs.