Saint Lucia’s healthcare sector is set to receive a major upgrade as the government moves forward with plans to complete the highly anticipated fifth wing of the Owen King European Union (OKEU) Hospital. This ambitious expansion, aimed at enhancing medical services and patient care, is receiving crucial financial backing from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBI) and private sector partners.
In a significant show of support, Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate, the developer behind the Canelles Resort project, has committed $400,000 USD as an initial contribution to kickstart the project. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire confirmed the funding, stating, “They’ve made available to the government $400,000 USD as a first contribution to allow the board of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex to commence preparations for the expansion.”
The new wing, often referred to as the hospital’s fifth “finger”, is part of an architectural concept that envisions the structure resembling an outstretched hand, symbolizing extended care to the nation. While preliminary designs exist, Dr. Hilaire noted the necessity for updates due to rising construction costs and evolving healthcare infrastructure needs.
“As you can imagine, we would have had designs for all the fingers, so there should be some preliminary designs there, but it would have to be reviewed and updated in terms of costings, as the price of construction materials and other services has changed,” he explained.
Opened on March 27, 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, OKEU Hospital remains a pillar of Saint Lucia’s healthcare system. While an official start date for the expansion has yet to be finalized, this funding marks a major step toward increasing the hospital’s capacity and improving medical services.
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