Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy says the ministry will this weekend begin the process of advertising for a contractor to start the major enhancement work at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to a press release the health ministry has embarked on a US$7M enhancement programme for the hospital for which the designs have already been prepared. Ramsammy, during a tour of the hospital compound yesterday said the ministry will start the 45-day advertising period for a contractor for the new in-patient facility that is to replace the dilapidated structure at the hospital’s Lamaha Street entrance. This construction should be completed by the second half of next year.

The ministry said a public lavatory will also be built on the southern side of the hospital. Also a parking lot, a major component of the project, is being built by the Ministry of Public Works along East Street. The ministry said when the lot has been completed no parking will be allowed in front of the hospital. Chief Executive Officer at the hospital, Michael Khan, said the lot will be manned by the hospital and a small taxi service will be operated from within the compound.

Meanwhile the hospital’s management has also undertaken a clean-up exercise at the facility.