It is no news that the number one Island in the World and number one tourist destination in the country of Belize does not have a 24 hour emergency facility. Many have seen family members pass away and others suffering in need of urgent medical attention while the services of 24-hour medical facility is lacking.
Belize’s Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin, along with key members of the Ministry of Health, met with Mayor Daniel Guerrero on Thursday, August 14, 2014, to discuss 24-hour emergency service to be provided on La Isla Bonita, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
In an interview with Minister Pablo Marin, he shared the good news that the long-awaited 24-hour emergency service will be provided at the Dr. Otto Rodrguez Poly Clinic II in a time frame of approximately two months.
“We are very pleased to make this announcement and share this good news with the people of San Pedro,” stated Minister Pablo Marin. “A total of half a million dollars will be invested in the salaries of the employees and two hundred thousand in renovations at the clinic.”
A total of 30 new employees will be stationed at the Dr. Otto Poly Clinic II which currently hosts a staff of only 18 personnel. The new employees will include security guards, drivers, mid wives and new doctors and nurses.
Also discussed at the meeting was the expansion of the building so that proper housing for employees can take place in the future. Present at the meeting were: Dr. Michael Pitts (Director of Health Services), Dr. Ramon Figueroa (Director of Policy & Planning Unit of the Ministry of Health), Ms. Melinda Guerra (Central Health Region Manager), Mr. Douglas Westby (Director, National Engineering & Maintenance Unit CHR), Ms. Lizette Bell (Acting CHR Regional Manager), Mr. Owen Vellos (Administrator of the Dr. Otto Poly Clinic), Mr. Manuel Heredia Jr. (Minister of Tourism), Mr. Daniel Guerrero (Mayor of San Pedro Town), Mr. Rigoberto Kumul (San Pedro Lions Club President), Mr. Gricel Graniel (BTIA), Mr. Edgar Cruz, Dr. Nyana Harrison, Nurse Maria Jeffery, Ms. Melanie Paz and Mrs. Flora Ancona.
