The state-of-the-art Ophthalmology centre at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice is expected to be completed by June while renovations to the Port Mourant Hospital are ongoing.

According to a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) the new deadline was set after an on-site progress check by Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsarran and Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Roberson Benn revealed that there were some minor setbacks because building and other materials were unavailable. The hospital has scaled back its health services while the construction and upgrading of its facilities are ongoing and major undertakings such as emergencies and deliveries are referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

GINA said Cuban architects and engineers are working on improving the facilities “along with the four diagnostic and treatment centres.” The $140 million facility will offer services for eye screening, corrective refractive error cataract, glaucoma, retinopathy diabetes, retina detachment and other eye defects. It is also expected to perform about 10,000 surgeries each year, which, Ramsarran said, will surpass the current backlog. A special unit for laser surgery will also be included.

Ramsarran said renovations to the hospital will include installations for more than 50 units for in-patient post-operative care.

GINA said the centre at Diamond, East Bank Demerara is almost complete with only remedial works remaining. It should be finished by early February; the Leonora, Suddie and Mahaicony centres are scheduled for a March completion. The Diamond centre will be occupied by a 27-member team of Cuban doctors and technicians who will be housed in on-site dormitories. Ramsarran said the staff are presently familiarising themselves with the local health care system. Equipment will soon be installed at the Diamond and Leonora centres.