MORE THAN $200 million has been approved by Cabinet to devise new ways to cut energy costs at four of the island's public hospitals and improve various aspects of health administration in Jamaica.
Minister of Information, Burchell Whiteman, announced Monday at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House that the Cornwall Regional, Bustamante Hospital for Children, Princess Margaret and St. Ann's Bay hospitals will benefit from a $72.4 million package to finance energy efficiency measures.
"The Government of Jamaica is concerned about the cost of energy in terms of the high foreign exchange bill, the high cost of electricity and the macro-economic impact on the economy," said Minister Whiteman.
ELECTRICITY RATES RISE
These measures have come at a time when electricity rates seem set to increase by as much as 18 per cent as the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo.) awaits a decision from the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) on its application for a rate increase.
If granted, the increase will take effect on June 1.
"The Government's Energy Conservation Task Force has targeted hospitals for priority consideration. This is being done not only to demonstrate Government's commitment to energy conservation in the public sector, but also to serve as a pilot programme, as hospitals account for about five per cent of the total energy consumption within the public sector," said Mr. Whiteman.
SUPPLY CONTRACT APPROVED
In the meantime, Cabinet also approved the award of contracts valued at almost $39 million to Hillroom Limited and Tyco Health Care to supply medical equipment for the new intensive care unit and operating theatres at the University Hospital of the West Indies.
The UHWI has also invited bids for the supply of equipment for an eight-bed intensive care unit and two operating theatres that are being constructed at a cost of $145 million.
