Govt aims to borrow $35m to equip Critical Care Block

As of Wednesday, May 27, 2015

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Christie administration intends to move a resolution in the House of Assembly that would allow it to guarantee the borrowing of $35 million on behalf of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) to assist in the development of the Critical Care Block at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis gave notice of this yesterday, noting that the PHA is seeking the loan from the First Caribbean International Bank in order to purchase medical equipment, IT hardware, software, and furniture for the outfitting of the block.

Prime Minister Perry Christie has already approved the loan, Mr Halkitis said.

The Critical Care Block was commissioned more than four months ago.

Since then, at least three of its seven operating theatres have been open, with officials planning for the rest to be opened in phases.

The Christie administration plans to spend $5m to hire around 200 medical professionals from the Bahamas and abroad to staff the Critical Care Block, according to PHA Managing Director Herbert Brown.

asiseeit 8 years, 10 months ago

And these clowns want to saddle Bahamians with NHI when three years later they STILL have not completed the critical care block that was in it's finishing stages when they took over? Just like the Abaco airport that had to be revamped so they could get their cut and they still did not get it right. What a bunch of excrement.

ohdrap4 8 years, 10 months ago

not to worry. after the insurance boys told them their business was threatened, thet put theirn tails between their legs and took off running.

this means, come january, the illegals will continue to receive free medical care in a revamped ciritcal care block.

asiseeit 8 years, 10 months ago

I hope this country keeps borrowing and borrowing and the IMF comes in and puts the screws to the government. Then Bahamians will wake up. You think Greece has it bad, they are still in the Euro currency, wait till they devalue our dollar. then you will see. Enjoy!

Islandgirl 8 years, 10 months ago

Well didn't we just make tens of millions of dollars from junkanoo carnival? What yall need to borrow more money for?

watcher 8 years, 10 months ago

Amazing. Only in the Bahamas can we build a brand spanking new multimillion dollar unit, then realise a few years later that we need to actually put some equipment in it.

Ooops.

asiseeit 8 years, 10 months ago

From what the sip sip is the equipment was already procured, the PLP put a stop to the contract so their minions could get the contract and enrich themselves, look at what happened to the Abaco airport.

OMG 8 years, 10 months ago

In reality much of the equipment was purchased and stored in the unoccupied critical care block .Despite limited access much of it disappeared. How normal.

realfreethinker 8 years, 10 months ago

All the money was in place to equipment and open the critical care block when they took over so I cant see them having to borrow more money. something stinks here

Alltoomuch 8 years, 10 months ago

That's an understatement - I think a whole lot stinks - but is anyone ever going to do anything about it! - other than complain

asiseeit 8 years, 10 months ago

The level and outright blatant corruption is astounding. The scary part is you have people who obviously are getting their loot as well who totally support the rape of the Nation. These people do not care for the nation or for that matter their future family's (grand kids great grand kids) plight, they only care about getting theirs now. These minions are not only destroying the future of the nation they are destroying their own peoples future. This is what you get when you put greedy, immoral, unethical, people in power. The harm being done today will last for generations and most probably those with millions today will have squandered their ill gotten gains and their descendants will curse their names and their deeds. The truth always finds the light sooner or later, always remember that.

SP 8 years, 10 months ago

Shouldn't there be closure on the missing $Millions and inconsistencies associated with this project before more funds are borrowed to complete the project?

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