Foundation stone for the state-of-the-art La Digue hospital laid By Roland Duval |18 August 2021
Minister Vidot and Mr Alneyadi after unveiling the plaque marking the laying of the foundation stone (Photo: Joena Meme)
Caring for the people is the only mission the government is set on and there should be nothing political about the location, construction, purpose and function of the La Digue Hospital, President Wavel Ramkalawan has said.
The head of state made the statement on Sunday during the official and symbolic ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the new state-of-the-art La Digue Hospital, on which construction work is set to begin soon.
It was the Minister for Health, Peggy Vidot, along with the chargé d’affaires for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ahmed Saeed Alneyadi, who officially unveiled the plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone, thus giving the green light to begin the new project.
Also present for the occasion which coincided with the Feast of the Assumption, or Lafet La Digue as it is more commonly known, were Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde along with his counterpart from the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry Devika Vidot, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for La Digue Rocky Uranie, proportionally-elected MNA Noline Sophola, as well as senior officers from the Ministry of Health and members of the La Digue medical team.
The new hospital, which has been designed by Seychellois architect Paul Lesperance, will be located next to l’Union Estate, on a government property which covers three (3) acres, next to the helipad.
The project has been made possible through a donation from the UAE (US $4million), along with an additional R2 million under the La Digue Hospital Fund.
President Ramkalawan described the project as a milestone in the history of La Digue and explained that while working on its concept, all the needs of the people of the island, as well as all those visiting the island, were taken into consideration.
He said the hospital will be a modern one with added facilities to those that already exist, including an isolation centre, dialysis and x-ray centres, private rooms, admission wards for males, females, children and a maternity that will cater for six persons each and a home for the elderly like those which exist on Mahé and Praslin, among other facilities.
President Ramkalawan also talked about the accommodation which will also be available on the same plot for doctors and nurses.
Regarding the decision taken for the location of the hospital, President Ramkalawan explained that it is the ideal spot since the location of the actual hospital is not suited for such a construction, especially with the problem of coastal erosion, while the size of the new building will crowd the space at La Passe which is being reserved for other economic developments, as well as government services.
“Being close to the helipad will also facilitate emergency evacuation to Mahé if needed,” further explained President Ramkalawan.
Through Mr Alneyadi, President Ramkalawan conveyed his gratitude to the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for the gift which he said is all to do with life.
He also thanked the group of La Digue residents who turned up for the event without any publicity, and this, President Ramkalawan said, proved how significant and priceless the new facility will be for them.
He invited them to bring any suggestions and contributions they think will boost service delivery and top-up the efficiency and output of their new hospital.
On behalf of the UAE government, Mr Alneyadi noted that based on the high reputation of La Digue in attracting dignitaries, filmmakers and other high-ranking individuals and important people, it is imperative that the island is equipped with a state-of-the-art health facilities.
He explained that it has been a long-time dream of the people of La Digue to have their own facilities which he said will be consequently more cost-effective and less time-consuming for them.
He added that from the strong and bilateral ties that have existed for many years, the UAE is delighted to join Seychelles under the wise directives of the UAE leadership and in line with the country’s aid policies.
To conclude, Mr Alneyadi said the UAE is looking forward to continuously work side by side with Seychelles to witness the commencement, development and completion of this important project.
In her address, Minister for Health Peggy Vidot, who is also a Diguoise, noted that since August 15 is a meaningful date for the people of La Digue, it is therefore fitting to be marking a very important milestone in the history of the health service on La Digue and in Seychelles as a whole.
Minister Vidot explained that being over 70 years old, the existing hospital which has been the only facility on the island has served its purpose.
She added that from the ministry’s point of view, they have tried on numerous occasions to renovate, refurbish and make it functional, while recognising that in this day when looking at moving forward its health agenda, the government recognises that the facility is no longer able to do so.
“As we forge ahead with our vision of improving health care for the people of Seychelles and for the people of La Digue, we need a modern facility,” added Minister Vidot.
A facility which she said will provide Diguois and visitors alike with the kind of service they would need while on La Digue.
She also urged all the residents of La Digue to maintain and respect the facilities, treating them with respect.
Before blessing the new project, Father Francis Kaumbulu, who is the Parish Priest of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, reminded the people of La Digue that they have to know what is essential and also to know what their priority is.
He explained that the hospital, regardless of its location, will serve everyone, regardless of their different beliefs, and that for now, they will not realise its significance until it becomes a fully-built hospital with all the facilities.
He was referring to resentment of the residents, through a signed petition regarding the chosen location for the hospital, since they wanted it to be built on the exact location of the existing hospital.
Father Francis explained that in order to serve God, we need to be healthy and the hospital is the place to be when seeking health.
“Everything that is good for life, is good for God,” he added.
Roland Duval
