THE construction of the Lima Regional Hospital in Region Two has provided employment opportunities for many residents, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said during a site visit on Friday.

Dr Anthony was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud; Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva; Regional Executive Officer (REO), Susanah Saywack; Director of Health Service, Vishwa Mahadeo and Member of Parliament, Nandranie Coonjah.

During the site visit, the health minister met with the contractor and saw first-hand the progress that has been made thus far.

This hospital is one of six that is being built to expand the health sector and provide citizens with improved access to quality healthcare and services.

Dr Anthony said that the Lima location is a central area in the region and will ensure everyone can easily access the health facility.

The hospital upon completion will provide a range of health services to residents of Region One and those living in neighbouring regions.

“This particular hospital will provide a number of services, including a 24-hour accident and emergency [unit],” Minister Anthony said.

Additionally, he said that the 75-bed hospital will include a modern laboratory, and digital imagining services such as ultrasounds, digital X-rays, and CT scans. The facility will also house two operating theatres and several outpatient clinics.

The construction is being funded by the Government of Guyana at a cost of $6.6 billion.

In addition to the completion of the construction works, Minister Anthony said that new health facility is expected to be in full operation by the first quarter of 2025.

Meanwhile, Minister Persaud said that the “excellent” initiative will transform the health sector in the region. He said the project is a game-changer and will alleviate the high transportation costs residents have to pay when accessing medical care. Persaud has assured that emergency cases will be dealt with promptly.

The regional chairperson said that she is happy with the pace of project and said that many residents have already been employed there.

De Silva said that the work is being continuously monitored by the regional engineers. She also said that more persons will be trained in the region to work at the hospital.

During the visit, this publication observed workers doing primarily steel work.