New GB Hospital on Target, Health Min Says

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A new hospital for Grand Bahama is on track, according to the health minister, who added that it will come with a price tag of $201 million.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville says the ministry is also working on manpower shortages in the ministry.

Dr. Darville gave the update during his contribution to the mid-year budget debate, explaining the new facility was first promised by the former Christie administration.

As for New Providence, the Health and Wellness Minister revealed the budget cycle for the first phase of the specialty hospital and trauma center on New Providence was completed last year.

He says government is in talks with an international bank to source funding for the facility.

Dr. Darville also addressing manpower challenges within the Ministry of Health and Wellness, revealing a new crop of 450 healthcare and support staff are now trained and being deployed.

The healthcare system has long faced a manpower challenge, as local healthcare professionals are often recruited by countries like the United States.

Darville says the government is looking to recruit nurses from countries like Ghana, Cuba, and the Philippines.

Despite the drain, he says the Public Hospitals Authority has started training and hiring healthcare employees.