Today is World Health Day and there were a number of events to commemorate the observance. One was held in Belmopan at the Western Regional Hospital where the project "Beyond the Horizon 2017" was launched. It is an initiative by the US and Belize governments which began in 2008. Since then, a number of schools have been constructed around Belize and critical health care services have been provided for free. But this year's project is one of the biggest and most significant. Courtney Weatherburne explains why.
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
You would normally have a military presence like this at the BDF camp or at a border security event. But today's ceremony focused on a different form of citizen security, and that is healthcare and education. The US Army Southern Command, along with the Belize Defense Force and the Ministries of Health and Education inaugurated "Beyond the Horizon 2017". This is an initiative by the US and Belize Governments.
Adrienne Galanek, Charge d' Affaires
"Every day tourists, families, business investors, students and youth from Belize and the United States are working together and learning from one another. Beyond the Horizon is a shining example of bonds of friendships and partnerships."
Through this initiative, there will be five significant construction projects, most of which will enhance services at the Western Regional Hospital and at other clinics.
Dr. Angel Campos, Minister of State, Ministry of Health
"It will focus on the expansion and improvement at the emergency room of the Western Regional Hospital. We will also have the construction of a new medical waste incinerator here as well at the Western Regional Hospital compound. We will have the construction of a brand new health center in Ladyville and the construction of a new health center to replace the old damaged clinic in Double Head Cabbage Village."
The Western Regional Hospital has had a number of challenges over the years, from infrastructural problems and congestion to the availability of medical supplies and services. According to Health CEO Dr. Ramon Figueroa, Beyond the Horizon 2017 will take them a step closer to where the hospital should be.
Dr. Ramon Figueroa, CEO. Ministry of Health
"Western Regional is a key note for the Ministry of Health, in terms of providing a service to the population. We received referrals from the south and it also caters to the west. It's also a center where people during disaster, hurricane in particular, from Belize City they move over to the Western Regional. So Western Regional Hospital is a key facility for us."
While the focus was on the ground being broken, today's event is really about the hope, that lies beyond the horizon.
So as you heard, the emergency room at the Western Regional Hospital will be expanded, a new medical waste incinerator housing will be built at the hospital and new clinics will be constructed in Ladyville and Double head Cabbage. These new facilities will also be equipped with medical supplies. But it's not only healthcare services that will be enhanced through this project, 3 new classrooms will be built at St. Matthews Government School.
Now in terms of free clinic days for the general public: From April 8th to 13th and April 15th to 20th you can visit the Ladyville community center for free medical and dental services. Those of you in San Ignacio can go to the Macal River Park between May 6th to the 20th and Dangriga residents can go to the Delta Company Barracks between May 20th and June 3rd. This project costs US $11.5 million.
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