Millions to boost Dialysis Unit

By Tameika Malone
The Dialysis Unit of the MSJMC is expected to benefit from two injections totalling $4.5 million.

In delivering the Throne Speech in Parliament yesterday, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams said some Citizenship by Investment Programme monies will be spent on boosting the dialysis capacity of the country’s lone government-run hospital.

“$1.5 million have been set aside from the CIP to purchase additional equipment and supplies for the Unit. My government is pleased to announce that a private-sector organisation has pledged $3 million for the expansion of the unit,” Sir Rodney said.

He did not reveal further details on the donor, but expressed sincere thanks on behalf of the government.

He lamented that the annual cost of maintaining a dialysis patient is about $75,000.

Calls to Health Minister Molwyn Joseph went unanswered.

Meanwhile, Sir Rodney apologised for the absence of the Minister of Works and Housing Eustace “Teco” Lake, Parliamentary Representative for St John’s Rural South yesterday and wished him speedy recovery.

“The director of the Mount St John’s Medical Centre reports that he is recovering and that the most talented medical personnel are applying their training to his case. Nevertheless, if it is necessary, my government has already put plans in place to fly him to another hospital,” he said.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne told OBSERVER media that Lake had been taken off the respirator and his blood pressure was under control. Browne also said the MP’s condition was improving.

Lake has been hospitalised since last Wednesday, with kidney complications.

The Chief of Staff, Lionel “Max” Hurst has said the director of Public Works and the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Works and Housing will take on Lake’s responsibilities. They will take orders from the prime minister until further notice.

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