Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, December 13, 2024 (PMO) – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is pleased to announce significant progress on the development of the new JNF Smart Hospital, which is set to begin construction in the first quarter of 2025. This state-of-the-art healthcare facility, located at West Farm, will be a key milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen its healthcare system, offering the latest technology and infrastructure to meet the needs of its citizens.
Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, visited the site recently, where he expressed his enthusiasm about the project’s direction. “This new hospital is for the benefit of the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The design will ensure that we have a healthcare facility that is not only capable of meeting today’s needs but is also resilient enough to withstand the challenges of climate change and natural disasters,” said Dr. Drew. “We are taking proactive steps to ensure that this hospital can function safely, providing confidence to both patients and staff, no matter the external conditions.”
The new JNF Smart Hospital will feature a modern, climate-resilient design, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and layout to ensure a sustainable healthcare facility that serves the needs of the Federation for decades to come. This will include a focus on advanced infrastructure, as well as systems and protocols that optimize the patient experience and care delivery. The new hospital will significantly improve the healthcare landscape of Saint Kitts and Nevis, providing top-tier medical services to citizens across the islands.
The Government has already made strides to optimize current healthcare services and systems, and these improvements will be carried forward into the new facility. Ambassador Leon Natta-Nelson, who is overseeing the project from the Cabinet’s perspective, added, “The design phase is nearing completion, and we have cleared the land for soil testing to guide the final development. This new hospital will be a testament to the collaboration between our government and international partners, particularly our partners in Taiwan, who have been integral in making this vision a reality.”
The Taiwanese government and the Taiwanese construction firm — Overseas Engineering and Construction Company (OECC), have played a crucial role in bringing this ambitious project to life. With their expertise and partnership, the new JNF Smart Hospital will not only provide advanced healthcare services but will also be a symbol of the country’s progress in addressing the healthcare needs of its people.
Director of Health Institutions, Dr. Jenson Morton, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “We have been carefully considering the needs of our healthcare system, and this new hospital will incorporate all the best practices in hospital design. It is being built with the future in mind—focused on sustainability, patient care, and resilience against natural disasters. This is more than just a hospital; it’s a transformation in the way we approach healthcare in Saint Kitts and Nevis.”
Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, and the new facility will create hundreds of jobs over the course of its development. Prime Minister Dr. Drew noted, “This hospital project is not only about improving healthcare for our citizens; it is also a significant investment in our economy. The construction of the hospital will create many employment opportunities and will have a lasting economic impact.”
With a design that prioritizes climate resilience, patient safety, and staff welfare, the JNF Smart Hospital will serve as a model for modern healthcare in the region. As the government prepares to move forward with construction, the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis can look forward to a new era of healthcare, where world-class services and infrastructure are at their fingertips.
To learn more about the government’s achievements and successes, visit http://www.gov.kn/national-accomplishments/.
End
