Health Ministry & UNOPS Sign Agreement For QEH Upgrades

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MHW) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have formally signed an agreement aimed at strengthening and improving the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).

This agreement seeks to enhance the local health system, by improving access to quality health care for citizens.  It will facilitate the renovation of the QEH’s waste management system and the morgue.  It will also support the hospital’s digitalisation process.

The project, titled ‘Implementation Support for the Strengthening and Improvement of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’, has a budget of over US $16.5 million, funded by a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). It is scheduled to run for 30 months and is expected to be completed by November 2026.

“This collaboration is set to strengthen essential infrastructure and resources at the QEH, enhancing its capacity to provide high quality healthcare services.  The agreement will allow the QEH to implement a robust waste management system and undertake necessary refurbishments to the morgue’s ventilation infrastructure,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Wayne Marshall, stated.

He further added: “In addition to these infrastructure upgrades, the agreement enables the procurement of urgently needed medical and Information, Communication Technology (ICT) equipment.  This equipment will enhance QEH’s clinical capabilities, improving patient outcomes and supporting healthcare professionals in delivering advanced care.  The acquisition of modern ICT tools will contribute to strengthening and supporting the digitisation process.  This partnership with UNOPS and these targeted projects signify a proactive approach to health sector reform in Barbados, prioritising the public’s wellbeing and aligning with international best practices.”

United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Springett, welcomed the partnership between the QEH, the EIB and the UNOPS.

“Improving access to quality health care infrastructure is important to achieving both social and economic resilience in Barbados.  This partnership between the government of Barbados, UNOPS and EIB represents another tangible demonstration of our deep commitment to build meaningful partnership to achieve the sustainable development goals by 2030,” he stressed.

Ministry of Health & Wellness
United Nations Office for Project Services

Author: Public Relations

Publish: November 14, 2024