Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie speaking to guests at the Commissioning Ceremony of the new Critical Care Block of the Princess Margaret Hospital, January 22, 2015.
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Nassau, Bahamas – The newly constructed
66,000-square foot Critical Care block has finally been constructed. Prime
Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, was in attendance for the official opening
ceremony, which was held on Thursday, January 22.
Mr. Christie said that it was a significant
investment for the country. “This facility represents an investment of
over fifty million dollars in construction costs and a further forty-five
million dollars in medical equipment, management information systems and
furniture which has extended across two successive government administrations
and two Prime Ministers,” said Prime Minister Christie.
“This modern medical technology is the
culmination of the single largest financial investment in the public health
system in this nation since the initial construction of Princess Margaret Hospital
itself over 60 years ago. We are therefore looking at a one-shot investment of
close to $100 million. As I have alluded
to, it is money well-spent for any number of reasons,” said Mr. Christie.
He said that this state-of-the-art, modern
healthcare facility stands ready to service the needs of the Bahamian people.
Mr. Christie said that the new wing stands comparatively well against other
similar establishments in the region and elsewhere.
“This is a reminder of how far we have come
in terms of the level and quality of health care that is available in our
public institutions,” he said. “It comes at a cost but in terms of the benefits
and the quality of care which this facility will provide, the benefits will far
outweigh the cost. Moreover, it cements the place of prestige that our tertiary
care has earned and it builds confidence and pride in the staff and all those
associated with this facility.”
The Prime Minister commended the leadership
of the Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Perry Gomez, and his predecessor, the
Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, the Public Hospitals Authority under its various
Chairmen and Boards, and the Critical Care Block project team for their
steadfast commitment to bringing a project of this scale to completion. In
addition, he lauded the contributions made by other key individuals, including
consultants, architects, engineers and other experts who were instrumental in
bringing the building into fruition.
“The collective talent of this team of
professionals is a poignant statement and affirms my Government’s view that we
must believe in Bahamians,” he said.
