Groundbreaking events were held at the Bouaké, Boundiali and Kouto hospital sites on 12-13 October, marking the beginning of works on this project. NMSI’s Deputy Chairman, Frederik Hsu, joined NMSI-CI’s Ranti Akindes, along with senior team members from project partners Franzetti-CI and GE Healthcare, at all 3 ceremonies.
The Bouaké event was well-attended with some 600 people attending the event. Proceedings were overseen by Amadou Koné, representing the Prime Minister, while the Deputy Head of Cabinet of the Ministry of Health, Prof Soro Kountélé Gona, along with the Prefect, local Mayor and Traditional Chiefs; the Heads of Religious Communities, Women’s Association and Youth Association; members of the Ivorian Health Service; and the UK Ambassador to the Cote d’Ivoire, HE Josephine Gauld, were also in attendance.
The groundbreaking events at the Boundiali and Kouto were slightly smaller affairs with 200 people at each and overseen by various officials. The Boundiali event had the Mayor and Minister of “Solidarité, de la Cohésion Sociale et de la Lutte contre la Pauvreté” Mariatou Koné, as well as Bruno Koné from the Ministry of Construction, the Deputy Chief of Cabinet representing the Ministry of Health, Prof Soro Kountélé Gona, along with local groups and representatives of religious groups, who provided traditional welcoming prayers.
The Kouto event was attended by the Bruno Koné from the Ministry of Construction, the Deputy Chief of Cabinet representing the Ministry of Health, Prof Soro Kountélé Gona, along with local groups and representatives of religious groups.
All events were well received by the dignitaries and locals in attendance, with local dance groups providing entertainment at these joyous occasions.
