A delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has participated in the inauguration of the Donka Hospital rehabilitation project in Conakry, Guinea, under the patronage of the Transitional President of Guinea, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya. The project includes the construction of new buildings and supplying the hospital with advanced medical equipment. The Fund will finance the project with a $32 million soft development loan. The SFD delegation was headed by the Director General of the Department of Africa Operations, Mohammed bin Adhan Al-Shammari. Senior Guinean officials including Acting Prime Minister Dr. Bernard Gomou, and Health Minister Dr. Mamadou Pathe Diallo, as well as the Chargé d'Affairs at the Kingdom's Embassy in Guinea, Faraj Al-Mabrouk, the Hospital's Director General Dr. Mohammed El-Sisi, and representatives of the Islamic Development Bank were present. In a speech on the occasion, Al-Shammari said the financing of the project emanates from the Fund's role in contributing to achieving sustainable development goals. The project aims to support the health sector in Guinea. The 631-bed hospital will benefit more than 2.5 million people, he said, adding that the hospital's expansion area is 17,500 square meters, which will provide patients increased access to health care, and will lead to the improvement of their social and economic life. Guinean Minister of Health Dr. Mamadou Pathe Diallo commended Saudi Arabia's efforts, through the fund, to support the development sectors in Guinea. The ventures will provide several health services to citizens and residents, and help confront chronic diseases as modern devices will be used to limit the spread of pandemics. Saudi Arabia has been attaching great importance to supporting the development sectors in Guinea through projects and programs financed by the SFD since 1977. The fund has offered 16 development loans to finance and implement 15 projects and programs covering the sectors of transportation, energy, education, health and water, with a total value exceeding $227 million. — SPA
