China donates R250,000 towards the new Seychelles Hospital |06 October 2023

President Ramkalawan accepts the donation from Mr Mu in the presence of Mrs MacGregor

China has made a generous contribution of R250,000 towards the construction of the new Seychelles Hospital, becoming the first donor towards this significant project.

The donation was formally presented to President Wavel Ramkalawan by the Chinese chargé d’affaires, Mu Jianfeng at State House yesterday morning, in the presence of Marie-France MacGregor, the chairperson of the new Seychelles Hospital fundraising committee.

After receiving the cheque, President Ramkalawan expressed his gratitude and emphasised that this contribution represents the initial step towards reaching the ambitious R1 billion goal set for the hospital.

“The funds will be allocated to the hospital project, with plans to lay the foundation stone in November 2024, aligning with the hospital's centenary celebration next year. We acknowledge China's valuable support, both in terms of technical assistance and financial contributions,” said the head of state, who highlighted the ongoing strong relationship with China, citing Seychellois students who are studying in the Asian country as well as the forthcoming appointment of the new Chinese ambassador.

For his part, Mu Jianfeng reaffirmed his country’s support to the Seychellois community.

“The growth of the community is our priority and we have already helped with the Anse Royale hospital and we are part of the community. We are doing our best to support the community here.”

The president announced the construction of a new hospital during his National Day speech in June and shared the bank accounts for contribution as well as announced the creation of a committee, the following month.

Last month, the committee chaired by Mrs MacGregror held its first meeting at State House.

“We all use this hospital and we also want to develop medical tourism. So the new hospital will surely meet the standards. We will have a record of those contributing towards this hospital,” shared Mrs MacGregor.

So far, things look positive, according to her.

“It is only now that fund raising is starting for the new Hospital. We have been contacted by many friends already and we want to have a universal approach. The committee was just formed and we will have our second meeting in two weeks,” said Mrs MacGregor.

Mrs MacGregor has appealed to the public to participate in the project with enthusiasm and wholeheartedly.

Vidya Gappy

Photo by Joena Meme