The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) is expected to start works on its planned maternity hospital in approximately six weeks, according to General Secretary Khakan Ramjohn.
CIOG is presently putting out tenders for the construction of the hospital and once the contracts have been awarded, works will commence. Ramjohn said the organisation is also awaiting permission from the City Council in order to start building.
He estimated that the project will be completed within 18 months after the commencement of works. He further stated that the private sector and the government have been very supportive of the investment.
The CIOG has identified $200M to start construction of the two-storey facility, which will be sited at 298 Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg.
The project is being funded by two Islamic organisations, the Islamic Development Bank of Jeddah and the Ouhla Foundation of the United Kingdom, with each contributing $100M towards construction.
The hospital will only cater to women and children and will employ only female doctors.
Shaykh Zakir Khan, the General Manager of the CIOG, had said the CIOG and the Muslim community believe that it is best that female doctors care for female patients since females are more comfortable being attended to by female doctors.
Khan said the investment is expected to advance the CIOG’s humanitarian service in Guyana.
He added that it wanted to provide a different type of medical care while helping the society. He stated that the hospital will serve all women, regardless of religion and ethnicity.
“We are not here to make money and this is one of the ways that we can help women in our country by providing excellent service for them in an environment where they are comfortable,” he added.
The sod was turned for the project in February this year.
