Government Seeks – By Editorial Staff Writer
Government Seeks 40M Loan
Government has approved negotiations for an EC$40 million loan to finance equipment upgrade at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) , as concerns persist over the condition and capacity of the country’s main public hospital.
Cabinet was told the funding would be used to replace and acquire equipment across several departments, including hospital beds, digital X-ray systems, neonatal incubators, operating theatre tables, anaesthesia machines, patient monitors and specialised ophthalmology equipment.
The planned upgrade also includes fluoroscopy equipment, a laparoscopic tower, a CT pressure injector, diathermy machines, cybersecurity improvements and broader information technology infrastructure.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Health Minister Michael Joseph had been instructed to begin talks with financial institutions immediately to secure the financing at the best available interest rate.
Merchant said the government expected the loan arrangements could be completed within days, but no lender, repayment period, interest rate or final borrowing terms were disclosed.
The EC$40 million proposal is separate from EC$2.5 million that Cabinet said would be made available immediately to purchase a new CT scanner for the hospital.
Government said the scanner is needed to replace ageing equipment and improve diagnostic services, particularly for emergency and specialist cases.
The announcement comes as the SLBMC continues to face pressure from heavy patient demand, equipment shortages and long waits for some services.
