The project will assist in the design and implementation of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the replacement of the main public hospital in the country, Queen Elizabeth II hospital. The new hospital is estimated to provide a significant increase in the quality, volume and scope of services for a cost roughly approximating that of the existing hospital. During the construction period of the new hospital, the project will also provide assistance to improve the filter clinics associated with the hospital. The Government’s objectives for the PPP are to: (i) increase the access, range and quality of publicly funded healthcare services; (ii) increase the value of Government’s current spending for these services; and, (iii) leverage private sector expertise in the management and operation of medical facilities to introduce more up-to-date management, clinical procedures and equipment in Lesotho’s healthcare sector.

Grant Agreement has been signed on February 23, 2009

The new hospital will serve Lesotho’s Maseru district, a population of almost 500,000 people. In addition, the new hospital will continue to serve as the nation’s referral hospital for secondary and limited tertiary care services not offered or not available at the country’s district hospitals.

GPOBA funds will be used to support the delivery of services through filter clinics and the new hospital. The subsidy will allow (i) more patients to be seen at a higher level of service at the filter clinics; and, (ii) more patients to be seen at the new hospital, also at a higher level of service.

TBD

Feng Zhao