Section of POS General Hospital might have to be torn down: Health Minister

Main entrance: Port of Spain General Hospital 

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan toured the Port of Spain General Hospital Wednesday and later told reporters that a part of the structure might have to be demolished.

Khan said he was told that the central block of the hospital was in a serious state of disrepair and that it could collapse at anytime.

However, he said after touring the facility he has determined that it is not that bad.

“There is still the need for a structural assessment of the building. The building is not going to collapse tomorrow morning, as I was given the impression,” he said.

The minister said he intends to seek proposals for a professional assessment on the hospital, noting that the process would allow several firms to tender to make the process transparent.

He anticipates that whatever is the final decision on the structure he would have to make alternative arrangements to house patients.

“I am in the process of trying to organize a mobile hospital for two things – one for, in case we have to move the patients out and two, in case there is a disaster in this country,” he said.

The minister said he plans to make a tour of the San Fernando General Hospital after Carnival.