A technical team including auditors are set to review operations at the recently commissioned $1.6 billion Infectious Diseases hospital as another team reviews the country’s phased reopening process even with the rise in COVID-19 cases.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony in an interview with Stabroek News on Tuesday stated that currently, a medical team is looking at the facility which once was the Ocean View Hotel to ascertain whether the facility can be used, while auditors are reviewing the financial aspects as the owner for the building recently stated that he is owed millions of dollars in rent for the property.
Dr Anthony stated that part of the building itself had a number of issues prior to the renovation works that were done, such as flooding. “I’m not sure whether those things have been resolved,” Dr Anthony said while adding that the relevant technical personnel will have to do assessments to determine whether using the facility for its intended purpose would be appropriate. He added that at this point, the building is not being used as there is enough room in other isolation facilities.
