BELMOPAN, Belize, Aug 14, CMC – The Belize government has sought to provide an explanation over its decision to acquire land for the construction of a new hospital to be funded by Saudi Arabia and also serve as a university hospital for the University of Belize (UB).
In a statement, the government said that in April last year, Cabinet approved the construction of a US$45 million modern national referral tertiary care hospital that would be funded by the Saudi Arabia Fund for Development.
It said that the project was approved by Parliament in May and signed into law in June of 2023. In April this year, Cabinet gave its approval for the relocation of the proposed Belmopan Tertiary Hospital, to a more accessible location near the George Price and Hummingbird Highways.
The government said that after a thorough review and having received a technical report and a presentation on the merits of the relocation by technocrats from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Cabinet accepted the recommendation and determined that the original site proposed by the University of Belize would not be ideal to meet it’s commitment to providing access to the timely delivery of universal health coverage, especially to residents of the Cayo District.
The government provided a number of reasons for the change, including that getting to the hospital’s location would require a circuitous route, which included driving through residential neighbourhoods as well as a lack of water or electricity near the UB proposed site for the construction of the hospital.
It said in addition, the government would have to purchase land to construct a road to reach the hospital and that it would be difficult for hospital employees and workers who would have to bear the expense of travelling to and from work.
“After Cabinet’s decision to relocate the Belmopan tertiary hospital, valuations were conducted by both private and government valuers to determine the market value of the two properties identified.
“The final price of BDZ$6.9 million (One Belize dollar=US$0.49 cents) for the combined 15 acres of roadside land was agreed upon and that Cabinet’s only objective in supporting the recommendation to relocate the Hospital remains its commitment to providing universal health coverage and ensuring the highest standards of healthcare delivery for all Belizeans.
“Government supports the recommendation from the Ministry of Health and Wellness that the proposed relocation of the tertiary-level hospital will afford quality, accessible care to Belizeans.
“Together with the University of Belize, a top-notch healthcare facility and teaching hospital will be constructed in an ideal location that meets the diverse needs of our population and enhances the overall healthcare landscape in Belize,” the government statement added.
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