Georgetown, Guyana (November 29, 2024) His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali today turned the sod for the new state-of-the-art 57,000 square-foot hospital that will be built in Kato, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
During his address, President Ali said that this achievement is not only historic but transformative, bridging the gap between the coastland and the hinterland.
“We care, and I want to tell you that we’re not going to stop until every single citizen, every single community has equal access and the same standard of service…You deserve the same level and the same standard of service asanyone else across the country.”
He underscored that Region Eight is experiencingsubstantial development and is on the verge of significanttransformation.
“Kato is not just a place on a map; it is a gem of natural splendour, home to resilient people who embody the spirit of a great nation. Today, as we gather in this beautiful setting, we stand on the cusp of a transformative moment, one that promises to uplift not just Kato, but the entire Region Eight.”
Noting that health care is not a privilege but a fundamental right, President Ali stressed that the people of Kato and neighbouring communities deserve nothing less than the best.
“This transition from a modest Cottage Hospital to a planned state-of-the-art medical facility represents a seismic shift in the way health care will be delivered in this region.”
The Kato Hospital is expected to be completed in 24 months and is designed to include a fully equipped operating theatre capable of performing cataract surgeries and C-sections. It will be outfitted with modern emergency rooms, a procedure room for minor surgeries, digital X-ray and portable X-ray services, CT scans, ultrasounds, laboratory services, and dialysis treatment. There will also be dedicated units for maternal, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care, among other facilities.
The project, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, is expected to commence before the end of the year. It is being constructed by the Sinophamintl Consortium and is valued at approximately$5.4 billion.
