The Ministry of Health and Environment is currently seeking tenders for the design of the new Marigot hospital.
Hon Minister for Health and Environment, Dr. Kenneth Darroux confirmed this at a press conference last week.
This is part of efforts by the Ministry of Health to create a safer and more conducive environment for patients and healthcare staff.
In June 2016, the healthcare facility in Marigot were relocated to two houses to accommodate the Accident and Emergency Department and to house patient wards.
In his presentation of the 2016/2017 budget, the Hon Prime Minister, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, announced that preliminary work will begin on the construction of the new Marigot hospital.
The Hon Minister informed that Marigot is among three facilities selected for the smart health facilities sponsored by the Pan American Health Organization.
“I insisted that of the three facilities that were chosen...that Marigot be one of them so whatever it is that we are going to do for Marigot; we are now going to incorporate the designs for the smart facility in Marigot in terms of renewable energy (solar panels), ensure proper water supply etc. Marigot has not been forgotten as it has been made to appear to be.”
Marigot, Grandbay and La Plaine are the three areas where smart facilitites will be introduced.
Hon Darroux dismissed suggestions that Government was not concerned with the health care facility in the Marigot constituency.
“There is this feeling out there that Marigot is being targeted for whatever reason; I mean as a medical doctor I found myself in politics because of my human nature and because of my performance as a district medical officer and my love for people. I don’t think I will sit at the helm of the Ministry of Health and allow any particular region or person to be marginalised...,” he said.