Professor Archibald McDonald (right), dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, in discussion with Professor Howard Francis, neurotologist, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, during a coffee break at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in St Andrew, yesterday. The function was the inaugural Kingston Public Hospital's clinical conference, under the theme 'KPH: 232 Years and Growing Stronger'. - Norman Grindley/Acting Photography Editor

Major plans are in place at the University of the West Indies, Mona, to construct a $3-billion complex as part of the Faculty of Medical Sciences.

According to dean of the faculty, Professor Archibald McDonald, the university has already identified the source for half the money needed for the expansion.

To increase enrolment

Speaking yesterday at the inaugural Kingston Public Hospital's clinical conference held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, McDonald said the new building will facilitate an increase in the number of students enrolled each year.

Currently, 190 students are enrolled in the faculty and McDonald said the expansion would allow for 300 to be accommodated.

The construction of the complex is expected to start in the first quarter next year.

McDonald told The Gleaner the multibillion-dollar facility will comprise five lecture theatres - one with a capacity to hold 500, two, 300 and the other two, 150 each.

Other amenities include laboratories, a library, computer labs and leisure facilities.

The main departments which will be housed at the complexare basic medical science disciplines - anatomy, bio-chemistry pharmacology, physio-logy and laboratories.

"Very important to us are the laboratories," McDonald said.

McDonald stressed that the laboratories will be important to teaching and will also form a vital part of research.