Foundation stone laid for UAE-funded hospital in Seychelles

The President of Seychelles laid the foundation stone on a UAE-funded healthcare facility on La Digue island.

Expected to cost at least $4 million, the establishment is being constructed under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles called the facility ''a gift of life", and expressed his gratitude to the UAE for its assistance.

He also thanked the UAE for helping contain the effects of COVID-19 with various aid missions to Seychelles.

Ahmed Al Neyadi said the health facility will be constructed as per the best international standards and will be equipped with emergency rooms, operating rooms, dialysis unit and x-ray unit and other services.

Health Minister Peggy Vidot explained that being over 70 years old, the existing hospital which has been the only facility on the island, has served its purpose and requires a modern facility to cater to the population.

The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Ahmed Al Neyadi, Charge D'affaire of the UAE in Victoria, Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Devika Vidot, Minister of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Rocky Uranie, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for La Digue, as well as senior officers from the Ministry of Health and members of the La Digue medical team.