The Anse Royale Hospital, which was funded by the People's Republic of China, was officially opened by President James Michel at a ceremony held this morning. This National Day celebrations event was also attended by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Former President, Sir James Mancham, the Vice-President, Mr. Danny Faure, the Minister for Health, Mrs Mitcy Larue, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Shi Zhonjun, as well as many dignitaries.
Following a tour of the new health facilities, President Michel said that the new hospital is a landmark achievement for national healthcare provision, and that he hoped the staff and patients of the new hospital would make good use of it.
" Anse Royale has another landmark to be proud of today; a modern hospital with the tools and facilities to serve the people of Seychelles and give confidence in the health system. It is another important contribution for our social development efforts and will elevate the level of healthcare provision for our people. I would like to express, on behalf of the people of Seychelles, our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the government and people of the People's Republic of China, for this sincere gesture of friendship and generosity ," said President Michel.
During her address, Minister Larue said that the new hosptial forms part of the health sector mission: relentlessly promoting, protecting and restoring the health of all people in Seychelles, in partnership with every individual, family and community.
"I would like to acknowledge the unrelenting support of the President for the many health projects undertaken by my ministry. His vision for a health system which permits the attainment by all people of Seychelles of the highest level of health care, is what has given heart and inspiration to everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition," said Minister Larue.
For his part, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Ambassador Shi Zhonjun noted that this project was one of the most important in the history of Sino-Seychellois relations.
" The hospital is a milestone in the health sector of Seychelles, a milestone in the relations between our two countries and a token of the friendly sentiments of China....The opening of this hospital will be of great benefit to the Seychellois, especially to the people of the southern part of Mahé...I sincerely hope that the new hospital will be used actively and further contribute to the health of the people of Seychelles," said Ambassador Shi Zhonjun.
The hospital is the second largest in Seychelles, costing 40 million Seychelles Rupees to build, and can accommodate up to 54 patients. It has a rehabilitation and physiotherapy room, a labour room, an accident and emergency unit with a special treatment room and its own reception as well as an operating theatre and X-ray facilities.
According to archival records, the provision of medical services at Anse Royale started in 1906 when a dispensary was created and a resident British medical officer was posted to serve the south region of Mahé.