Above: the Mirebalais Teaching Hospital
By the Caribbean Journal staff
The solar-powered Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais in Haiti has officially opened its doors.
The development of the property was a joint project between US-based Partners in Health and its sister group, Zanmi Lasante. The hospital is a public facility of Haiti’s Ministry of Health.
The 300-bed hospital has 30 outpatient consulting rooms and six operating suites, with the capability of serving 500 patients every day.
It will offer HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis care, along with treatment for noncommunicable diseases, primary care, prenatal care and dental care, among other services.
It is capable of producing more than 100 percent of its energy needs during peak daylight hours. The hospital said any excess power generated is sent back into the power grid.
“This hospital underlines our commitment to the country and people of Haiti, which is stronger than ever after the earthquake,” said Dr Paul Farmer, co-founder of Partners in Health, in a statement.
The Artists for Haiti group also contributed $2.7 million to cover the hospital’s startup costs.
“Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais will not only provide world-class health care to the people of Haiti, but will contribute to the country’s sustainable future with significant employment opportunities,” said actor Ben Stiller, co-founder of Artists for Haiti.
Mirebalais is also the first public hospital in Haiti to have a CT scanner.