“KHMH has served its time:” Minister of Health

Published by BBNTEAM at August 9, 2024

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Posted: Friday, August 9, 2024. 5:38 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: The Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced plans for the construction of a new state-of-the-art tertiary hospital in the Belize District. The decision comes following a comprehensive study conducted by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) and extensive deliberations within the ministry.

Minister of Health Kevin Bernard revealed in an interview that the existing Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) has surpassed its capacity and requires significant upgrades to meet the growing healthcare demands of the region. The study outlined two options: either extensively renovating the current facility, which would disrupt ongoing services, or constructing an entirely new tertiary hospital.

The decision to build a new facility was based on the findings that remodeling or renovating the existing KHMH would be costlier and disrupt essential services for an extended period. By opting for a new build, the ministry aims to minimize service disruption while providing a better and modernized healthcare facility for the citizens of the Belize District.

Discussions are underway regarding potential locations for the new facility. One possibility is to build on the current site where the old nursing school is located immediately next to the KHMH, while another option is to explore a new area adjacent to the Eleanor Hall building along the Lake Independence Boulevard, which offers ample space for a modern tertiary hospital. Bernard said the focus is to ensure that the new hospital will cater to the long-term needs of the population, providing comprehensive services for individuals with disabilities and special needs.

As part of the Ministry’s long-term plans, establishing a quality tertiary facility in Belmopan, the planned University Hospital, aims to not only support the KHMH but also enhance healthcare services for the southern and western regions of Belize. The ministry envisions that hospital serving the South and West as primary tertiary-level hospital, while the proposed new Belize City Hospital would serve the North, Belize City, and mainland Belize District (apart from San Pedro and Caye Caulker which would be served by the forthcoming San Pedro Hospital).

Belize is eagerly awaiting feedback from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration on funding possibilities.

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