Retrofitting Of the Belize Medical Laboratory Underway  

The Belize Medical Laboratory is set to undergo some much-needed retrofitting and renovations. This comes as a collaboration between the Pan American Health Organization and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, with funding from the European Union. The overall objective of this ten million U.S. dollar program is to elevate the health services in Belize. The facility will be retrofitted to create more space, ensure that building safety standards are met and updated with environmentally friendly technology. Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness, shared his excitement over the launch of the project.

 

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness

“This has been something that yes, indeed, has taken a bit long, but I am very happy that we are, we have reached this milestone today where the EU through the support of PAHO as well, has been able to graciously afford us almost one point three plus million dollars worth of retrofitting at the Central Medical Lab. As the, since the at the Central Medical Lab, there has been a lot of issues with the facility.  wise and in terms of spacing. Even though we have invested in terms of increasing the capacity within the Central America Lab, there’s need for better improvement, better work conditions ensuring that the facility is more climate resilient and so forth. And so this retrofitting, groundbreaking today, I is testament to the commitment that as a government and in the support of our partners in PAHO and EU, we have been able to reach to this milestone. And I know that the staff at CML here are very much eager, as I mentioned for this retrofitting. While, as I said, we have been able to see the improvement within the work that is being carried out here at CML. There have been some issues that,  Equipment wise, moral wise, anytime you work in an environment that is not conducive to your environment, to working, then it demoralizes you. And so I felt, as I said in my initial message, when I walked in this building the first time I became the Minister of Health, I myself was disappointed. It was really dilapidated, and so I’m happy that we were able to one, get the director, a director on board, who has also had the vision to see the improvement, to work along with her staff, to make sure that we’re able to better provide a service to the Belizean people. That’s number one, priority. And getting this commitment and finally here today is just the start of us ensuring that we can improve. And the next step is for us to ensure that the Central Medical Lab is accredited by the international partners. And the commitment of the director has said to me that by next year, mid next year, it is her hope that Central Medical Laboratory will be certified by our partners in the region.”