Government Pushes to Reopen Cancer Center Amid Equipment Dispute, Sets March Deadline for Resolution
By Aabigayle Mcintosh
The government is making yet another intervention to fast track the re-opening of the Cancer Center Eastern Caribbean.
The opening has been delayed due to a conflict between the previous owners and the current buyers as it relates the use of removal of the machine use for radiation.
The previous owners are of the view that the machine is still usable, however it does not fit into the vision of the US Group that has invested in the facility. They are promising the top-of-the line equipment to delivery the most modern cancer treatment methods.
The government now intend to give the former owners an ultimatum to remove equipment from the building or they will be discarded.
The matter was discussed in Cabinet with Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst indicating, the machine is not only old, but it is also outdated.
“The Cancer Center first came into being shortly after 2014 and so the equipment there is at least or are at least ten years old. It means therefore that in that period of time, 2014 to the present, that new methodologies and new equipment have emerged.”
The government has also enlisted the assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency to determine the safest method of removal.
“The government is therefore giving the previous owners reasonable time to have the old equipment removed and if no action is taken, a professional firm will be asked to discard the old machines. The entire process is set to be completed by the end of March next year,” Hurst said.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2024/11/01/1government-pushes-to-reopen-cancer-center-amid-equipment-dispute-sets-march-deadline-for-resolution. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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