This project contributes to the construction of a new 200-bed provincial hospital in Gonaïves. It is one of three parts of a $30-million initiative. This component supports the design, construction of the majority of the hospital, its medical equipment and hospital management. As the partner agency, UNOPS is responsible for the implementation of these activities, including the $14.5 million contract for the construction of the hospital. The Gonaïves hospital initiative aims to improve access to and the quality of specialized health services for children, women, and men in Artibonite Department. It also aims to improve the health system in Haiti and to establish a replicable model for provincial-level hospitals in Haiti. The initiative includes the design, construction, and equipping of the new hospital. It also includes initial institutional support such as training in hospital management, hospital equipment usage, and maintenance, as well as specialized training in maternal, neonatal, and child health issues. The project is financially divided for administrative reasons. The sub-project I includes the majority of funds reserved for the design, construction and supervision; sub-project II includes the contribution allocated from Canada’s Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health priority; and sub-project III represents funds set aside for monitoring and evaluation of the project. The expected results of the project are: 1- The specialized service offer, including obstetrics, gynecology and paediatrics is reinforced in the Artibonite Department; 2- The Ministry of Public Health and Population’s management of service offer, particularly for mothers and children, is more efficient.
The project is a remarkable success with the conclusion of the construction of the La Providence Department Hospital in Gonaives with relatively little delays and within budget. Within the first objective, on the conceptualization of the hospital, the project’s design firm SNC Lavalin Aedifica has been supervising the construction since January 2012. Following the approval of the detailed plans of the hospital, the construction consortium Abantia Cots (Spanish company) started construction in September 2012 and has completed its mandate in October 2014. The third component, in institutionalizing a hospital management plan managed by the firm Conseil Santé (French firm) has so far trained the available staff and has facilitated the transfer from the temporary hospital to La Providence on November 8, with an official opening on November 10, 2014. Conseil Santé will continue to offer support and training to the hospital until July 2015. The executing agency, UNOPS, will manage the construction and equipment warranties until July 2015 on behalf of the MSPP. This will represent the end of the current project. The DFATD team is supported by a team of three advisers: in infrastructure, procurement and public health.
