AS government continues to work to improve the country’s healthcare sector, a $21.4 million contract was inked on Monday for extension of the nurses’ hostel at the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two.

The contract was awarded to K and J Persaud Contracting Service by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). It was signed by company representative Kamta Persaud and the region’s Regional Executive Officer, Susannah Saywack, in the presence of Regional Health Officer Dr Ranjeev Singh and Civil Engineer Harindra Nandalall.

According to Dr Singh, the extension of the hostel is needed and will provide accommodation for those desirous of becoming nurses.

He explained that with the planned construction of a specialty hospital in the region, there will be a need for nurses and other trained medical staff.

As part of the project, the building will be extended to accommodate 10 rooms to house trainee nurses who reside in riverain communities. The works should be completed within four months.

Dr Singh added that nurses from far-flung communities who are desirous of working on the Essequibo Coast, can also be accommodated at the hostel.

“This is something the region needs and with the extension we will see more people being trained in the field. I am happy for the project, it’s a boost for our region,” he said.

Meanwhile, Saywack said that the project will be continuously monitored by the region’s engineers, even as she pointed out that she is expecting quality work from the contractor.

Saywack emphasised that young people in the region will be given an opportunity to further their studies in the medical field with the extension of the hostel.