The EU funded health project is still a go - just not for new wing at the Western Regional Hospital - which was the original plan. At the House meeting 11 days ago, Health Minister Pablo Marin had said that there were problems getting the funds from the EU and that the project would not materialize. When it was suggested that those problems arose from foot dragging in officialdom, the the Ministries of Economic Development and Health bristled.
Today they sent out a release clarifying that those funds have been set aside for another health project. So, now, instead of a 50-bed energy efficient wing at the Western Regional Hospital, the focus will be on upgrading health facilities including hospitals and the Central Medical Laboratory. In the release it says these facilities will be "upgraded to withstand natural disasters, be more energy efficient, and meet safety criteria for patients and medical staff. Other components include upgrading of the Health Information System, and Strengthening of Organization and Management of Health Services." The EU has approved this project and the overall cost will be 10.5 million Euros or $25 million Belize dollars. The release ends by saying that the official signing will take place in the first quarter of 2018.
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