BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Federation’s major health institution, the Joseph N France General Hospital, is earmarked for a major upgrade in the area of security as the Government has indicated it would be included in the 2017 Appropriations.
With the budget estimates set for presentation in early to mid-December, the Government is currently meeting with various departmental heads to put together the estimates.
One thing that would be included, according to Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, is the upgrading of the security operations at the hospital.
Addressing residents at the Government’s recent town hall meeting in McKnight, Dr. Harris informed that the Government is currently at the point in the administration where they would be assessing the needs of various governmental agencies, with the view of putting together a quality budget for next year.
He explained that when it comes to the health sector, specifically the JNF Hospital, the Government would spare no resources for that institution.
“We will give request for security at JN France and I can say without prejudicing the outcome that we would certainly give request for orderlies.”
In recent times, patients and staff of the facility have complained over the lack of security measures at the hospital.
Back in 2014, gunshots rang out at the health institution prompting the then Government to swiftly increase security presence.
“With immediate effect, we have increased the presence of the security forces at the hospital on a 24-hour basis. Security cameras will be installed and the visiting policy would be strictly adhered to,” then Minister of Health Marcella Liburd declared.
According to PM Harris, “You would see a beef-up of security at JNF and each of the hospitals.”
Shortly after the September 2014 shooting, another such incident occurred as a number of unidentified armed men gave chase after an injured individual as he sought refuge in the hospital’s compound, while shots were being fired during the process.
