POINT, Hanover — Organisers of the Negril International Hospital (NIH), say they are a step closer to constructing a state of the art hospital in Negril, western Jamaica.

This follows the presentation of a cheque worth $200,000 from Dr David Garwood of Prodigy Inc to Chairman of the Negril International Hospital (NIH), Winston Wellington.

The cheque was presented on Saturday, June 22 at an annual fundraising gala dinner and dance at the Grand Palladium Hotel in Hanover.

He gave no figures, but according to president of the NIH, Bill Tingling, funding is in place for the construction of the hospital.

“We can assure you that NIH and the Jamaican community are committed to this project. We have the financing in place for the building and completion of the hospital,” said Tingling.

According to Wellington , the aim of the NIH is to establish a leading health tourism institution.

“The NIH Complex will be the leading health tourism institution in Jamaica and the Caribbean. This reality is what informs my passion and that of my team,” said Wellington.

Tingling said the World Bank has pledged to assist the group with 25 per cent of the hospital’s final funding, while independent corporations and donors have pledged to build independent hospital wings, each consisting of approximately 8,500 square feet.

The Rotary Club and a private donor, Dr Eric Shoenfeld, have also pledged their contribution to a trauma centre, said Tingling.

Marvin Gooden, architect and builder and Walsh Group based in Chicago have all been retained by the NIH for the construction of

the hospital.

Organisers say that when it is completed the hospital complex will consist of three distinct integrated components; a modern state-of-the art Wellness Centre, a 250-bed cottage hospital with modern ambulance care facilities and Retirement Village/ Convalescent Homes Rehab Centre Facility.