October 31, 2008—IFC recently agreed to support a landmark project to build a state-of-the-art hospital that will dramatically improve the quality of medical services in Lesotho. This effort is in partnership with the government and a regional consortium led by health group Netcare.
The new 390-bed National Referral Hospital will replace the aging Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, which faces shortages of hot water, heat, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, trained staff, and reliable equipment. Operating costs for the new hospital will be roughly the same, allowing patients to have access to improved medical care, yet pay the same minimal charge as in Lesotho's other public hospitals.
The project will also refurbish three semi-urban filter clinics that, together with the main hospital, will operate as a health network. Construction is expected to begin in January 2009.
Read the related press release...
For more information contact:
Houtan Bassiri
IFC Communications Officer
Johannesburg, South Africa
Phone: +2711 731 3179
E-mail: hbassiri@ifc.org
