KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Government has set aside $481 million for ongoing transformation of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

As contained in the 2024/2025 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, the funds earmarked for the new financial year will help to improve patient experience at the institution.

Anticipated targets for the new financial year include the re-routing of the Ring Road East and new car park area, to commence procurement of contractor for a new tower, and to engage project management firm and services of architect for the new tower.

Targets achieved up to December 2023 include the completion and approval for the Ring Road and car park area, as well as a contractor identified for the Ring Road and car park area.

The UHWI is the premier regional referral centre, providing other Caribbean countries with an affordable option for critical services.

The hospital provides critical care, which includes accident and emergency, intensive care, neonatal intensive care, coronary care, and specialist care consisting of cardiac and complex neurosurgical procedures.

It remains a regional training facility for medical experts and healthcare professionals and is a Centre of Excellence for teaching, research and patient care.

-JIS