Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has described Bayview Hospital’s $12 million investment in a modern 24-hour urgent care facility as a statement of confidence in the island’s economy.
She thanked Chairman of the health care facility and the board of directors for investing in the economy at this time during the groundbreaking ceremony at its Beckles Road, St. Michael on Friday.
Ms. Mottley, accompanied by several of her government ministers, said: “Above all else, it is a statement of confidence. It is a statement of confidence of where this country is in spite of a pandemic and all else that we are facing. No one takes up $12 million and invests in something unless they expect a level of return commensurate to the investment they are making.”
She continued: “This level of confidence is pleasing to the government particularly in the health sector, because as you will hear more and more, as we refine Barbados’ opportunities for growth, we believe medical services and medical tourism is a key platform upon which this country can continue to earn its way.”
The Prime Minister also indicated that a review of the memorandum of understanding between the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Bayview Hospital was on the cards “to ensure that both institutions, even though one [is] public and one private, can work cooperatively in a small island jurisdiction to be able to access the benefits that pooling can give them in terms of procurement not just in pharmaceuticals but also supplies and equipment”.
Ms. Mottley contended: “Barbados is simply too small for each institution to try to wade [through] the rough waters on their own and therefore, that cooperative approach can bring benefits to both Bayview Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in terms of the services they provide.”
Meanwhile, Bayview Hospital Administrator Jules Reid said the construction of the purpose-built three-storey medical centre will result in greater efficiency and speed from a cadre of specialists and medical professionals.
“Bayview Hospital is taking its current 22-bed, inclusive of a two-bed intensive care unit, three operating theatre service, to the next level. We shall be offering all of Barbados access to a seven-day a week, around the-clock emergency and accident service complemented by our own ambulance service, radiology, and diagnostic services,” Ms.Reid added. The project will be executed over a 12-month period.