CABEI to Fund Feasibility Studies at NRH and PG Hospitals

The Government of Belize has signed a funding agreement with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) to conduct feasibility studies at the Northern Regional Hospital and the Punta Gorda Community Hospital. On Monday, Prime Minister John Briceño, Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard, and Minister of State Osmond Martinez joined Ruth Calderon of CABEI and Taiwanese Ambassador Lily Li-Wen Hsu to sign the agreements. These studies will also include predesigns for new facilities in Orange Walk and Punta Gorda.

 

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“This initiative, approved by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, CABEI, and facilitated through the Taiwan/CABEI Partnership trust and represents a critical step forward in enhancing our healthcare infrastructure.  This journey, ladies and gentlemen, began with prefeasibility studies in 2022 and today we are proud to announce our government’s commitment to investing US$986,050.45 in the future of healthcare in our communities.  The Orange Walk Hospital, serving over fifty-four thousand residents, and the Punta Gorda Hospital, serving nearly thirty-nine thousand residents, are vital to our healthcare system.  However, we recognize that both facilities require strategic updates and improvements to meet the growing needs of urban and rural populations.  These feasibility studies will not only assess the necessary infrastructure, equipment and human resources, but will also focus on strengthening the management of our hospitals.”

 

 

Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Taiwanese Ambassador

“Taiwan joined CABEI in 1992 as a non-regional member.  Over the years, the ever-growing cooperation has made Taiwan the bank’s largest shareholder.  In 2021, the Taiwan/CABEI Partnership Trust Fund was established to support CABEI and its recipient member countries in achieving sustainable economic, social and inclusive development with technical assistance, training and advisory services.  Therefore, today, I am very excited that this trust fund will support a feasibility study to assist Belize to modernize healthcare infrastructure and reinforce institutional, technical and operational capacity building for the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk and the Punta Gorda Community Hospital.”