Minister Maginley (second from right) with Ambassador David Shoul (second from left) and Chinese officials View photo »

Government is now moving ahead swiftly to resume work on the multi-million dollar Mount St John Medical Centre, with completion date set for the latter part of 2006.

Health Minister the Hon John Maginley met with Non-resident Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Sir David Shoul and several Chinese delegates earlier this week to discuss the work leading up to the completion date.

Minister Maginely says the discussion also centered on the completion of the documentation of the Export and Import Bank Loan of China for the completion of the project.

The Minister further states that the contractors have confirmed that the project should be completed within 10 months time. The Ministry of Health he says is looking for the completion date to be late September, early October 2006.

The Mount St. John's Hospital will have a capacity of 187 beds and will offer medical attention from a modern, high-quality institution for all people, regardless of their economic circumstances, providing first class medical care and service.

The hospital was incorporated under the Companies Act in 1998 and is wholly owned by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. Government has indicated that it intends to complete the construction of the building but will not be in a position to operate the facility. Government has received proposals from a number of organizations to operate the facility.

For further information contact:
Teste Thomas
Communications Officer
Ministry of Health
Teste.thomas@antigua.gov.ag