President Wavel Ramkalawan, witnessed the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Health and Vijay Patel Seychelles Ltd, for the construction of the new National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS ) building to be located at Mont Fleuri.

During the ceremony held at the site of the new building this morning, the Minister for Health, Mrs Peggy Vidot officially signed the documents on behalf of the Government of Seychelles whilst Mr Vijay Patel representing Vijay Patel Seychelles Ltd signed off the documents to mark the symbolic commencement this new project. 

The current dilapidated building, was constructed more than 70 years ago as the Princess Elizabeth Nurses Home in 1950. Over the years, it has been used for the training of health professionals as well as for other health related activities. 

Speaking at the event, Minister Vidot said today’s event represents a momentous occasion for Government and for the Ministry of Health with the beginning of a new year and the firm promise of a new vocational centre for health. She thanked President Ramkalawan for his presence this morning, as a testament of the immense importance he attaches to this project and to the development of Seychellois health professionals.

“Your presence is a clear signal that no COVID-19 pandemic or any other setback can bend the resolve of your government to move the education of our health professionals and the health of our nation forward. I thank you for your leadership. This building is not just any building. It houses countless memories, dreams come and gone and other historical accounts. Several legendary figures of the health system have lived here, studied here or taught here. This new National Institute of Health and Social Studies will usher in a new era of health development in Seychelles. We will focus on programmes that support people to lead healthy lifestyles in preference to programmes that come in late in the last minute to try to save the day. We will tackle the risk factors that are responsible for the non-communicable diseases, the emerging communicable diseases and the social illness head-on through a steadfast “all of government and all of society approach” said Minister Vidot.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Seychelles, Minister Vidot also conveyed the sincere appreciation to Mr Vijay Patel and his company for the immense support they are giving to the Ministry of Health and the Government.  “Mr Vijay Patel is a visionary leader not just in the history of construction in Seychelles but also in education. This support to the Ministry Of Health is another indelible mark that you are now etching into health and education history of our Nation. Thank you Mr Vijay Patel”.

On his part, Mr Patel said his company is proud to be a part of this project in support of such an important cause dedicated for the training of nurses and other health professional particularly due to what COVID-19 pandemic has thought the world to attached greater value and importance of health care personnel.  

Also present for the MoU signing ceremony was Vice-President Ahmed Afif, the Principal Secretary for Health, Dr. Bernard Valentin, the Chief Executive of Health Care Agency, Mr Danny Louange, the Public Health Commissioner, Dr Jude Gedeon, other Ministry of Health officials and representatives of Vijay Patel Seychelles Ltd.

The construction is expected to commence in two weeks to be completed of a period of 18 months. Following the signing guest present were able to view the proposed plan of the new NIHSS Building.