Hospital will have 2,000 beds

| 22/11/2009

(CNS): The true size of the proposed medical project by Dr Devi Shetty’s organisation, the Narayana Hrudayalaya Group, has been revealed this weekend in the Wall Street Journal, following the reported signing of an agreement by Dr Devi Shetty to build a 2,000 bed hospital in the Cayman Islands. Dr Shetty’s spokesperson in Cayman also confirmed that the world famous heart surgeon would soon be coming to Cayman with his revolutionary low cost health system. Although the on-island location has not yet been revealed, the new medical facility is expected to be one of the largest single developments ever in Cayman funded by the private sector.

In an interview with the WSJ, Dr Shetty says the hospital in the Cayman Islands would primarily serve Americans in search of lower-cost medical care. The plan, he says, is to build and run a 2,000-bed general hospital where procedures, both elective and necessary, will be priced at least 50% lower than what they cost in the US, which Dr Shetty hopes will draw Americans who are either uninsured or need surgery that their plans don’t cover.

The doctor’s model offers insights for countries worldwide that are struggling with soaring medical costs, the WJS reports, including the US as it debates major health-care overhaul. "Japanese companies reinvented the process of making cars. That’s what we’re doing in health care," Dr Shetty says. "What health care needs is process innovation, not product innovation."

David Legge, who is the Cayman Islands spokesperson for Dr Shetty, also stated that the facility will offer low cost health care to Caymanians as well. The full details of the project will be revealed over the next few weeks, Legge says, and he confirmed that one of the local partners involved is Gene Thompson. “This is an incredibly exciting project and an extremely positive development for the islands in many ways,” Legge said.

The construction of the hospital when it starts would obviously provide a considerable number of new jobs on the island, and once the project is up and running, not only will it offer affordable health care to locals, it is expected to attract considerable numbers of visitors looking for the diverse range of health services that the facility will offer.   

“Medical tourism is one of the fastest growing ‘new industries’ in the world and countries are embracing it to improve healthcare for their citizens, lower local costs for major surgeries and procedures, and re-energize their economies,” Legge added. “Cayman, givenits proximity to the US, appears especially well-suited to bring medical professionals, patients, and infrastructure to its shores.”

Dr Shetty, who was Mother Teresa’s personal heart physician, says he wants to make Cayman a centre of excellence in healthcare. At his flagship 1,000-bed Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital, surgeons operate at a capacity virtually unheard of in the US, where the average hospital has 160 beds, according to the American Hospital Association.

Narayana’s 42 cardiac surgeons performed 3,174 cardiac bypass surgeries in 2008, more than double the 1,367 the Cleveland Clinic, a US leader, did in the same year. His surgeons operated on 2,777 paediatric patients, more than double the 1,026 surgeries performed at Children’s Hospital Boston.

Some have questioned whether Dr. Shetty is taking his high volume model too far, risking quality, but Jack Lewin, chief executive of the American College of Cardiology, who visited Dr Shetty’s hospital earlier this year as a guest lecturer, says he has used high volumes to improve quality. For one thing, some studies show quality rises at hospitals that perform more surgeries for the simple reason that doctors are getting more experience. And at Narayana, says Dr Lewin, the large number of patients allows individual doctors to focus on one or two specific types of cardiac surgeries.

Narayana surgeon Colin John, for example, has performed nearly 4,000 complex paediatric procedures known as Tetralogy of Fallot in his 30-year career. The procedure repairs four different heart abnormalities at once. Many surgeons in other countries would never reach that number of any type of cardiac surgery in their lifetimes.

Dr Shetty’s success rates appear to be as good as those of many hospitals abroad. Narayana Hrudayalaya reports a 1.4% mortality rate within 30 days of coronary artery bypass graft surgery, one of the most common procedures, compared with an average of 1.9% in the US in 2008, according to data gathered by the Chicago-based Society of Thoracic Surgeons. 

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Hi UDP,

    I like yours and Mr. Thompson intentions but the Cayman people are not stupid, is this some joke 2000 rooms, where is the infrastructure to support such a idea? PLEASE TAKE ONE OF THOSE REALITY PILLS, THAT WILL CLEAR YOUR MIND.

    Are there any 2000 room hotel in the world? I didn’t think so.

    Stop putting foolishness out on the wires.

     

  2. Anonymous says:

    From what I hear… since the Brac is soooo much cheaper to build on (duty free) the undiclosed plot of land will be on the bluff.  Cayman Airways is putting in a couple of direct flights starting late next year to start the in flow.

    Looks like the Brac is going to get on the map with this one.  Well done Mr. Kirkconnell.

  3. Anonymous says:

    It’s going to be on the Brac. That’s what I heard.

    • Jesus love you (Some restrictions apply) says:

      How can this hospital be built on the Brac? Julianna Connor-Oconner-Connolley-Connerdoesn’t allow Muslims and Hindus on her Christian island. It has something to do with the love of Jesus requiring her to condemn and fear 75 percent of the world’s population. It could be a problem because I’m sure Dr. Shetty and his colleagues would want to actually visit their hospital.

      I can’t believe she is the deputy premier. What does that say about the UDP?

      The rapture can’t happen soon enough as far as I’m concerned.

  4. Anonymous says:

    what is the connection is what I want to knowfrom UDP to Dr Shetty and how did this DR from India come here and try to set up.

    Was it our Cayman tourism board that have to do anything with it

  5. Anonymous says:

    The Brac would make ZERO sense, and I highly doubt it would be put on the Brac.  More expensive, time consuming flights (unless a direct route was set up of course), less hotel rooms for extended stays, higher cost of EVERYTHING, and of course less overseas Doctors would want to stay there.  St. Matthews was even turne down for putting a campus on the Brac, do you have such a short memory you don’t even remember that.  It would NEVER happen.

  6. Anonymous says:

    I heard that too.

  7. Anonymous says:

    I heard its going to be in the Brac

    • Anonymous says:

      It would be great to see the UDP following through with one of Mr Kirkconnell’s ideas.

  8. Anonymous says:

    I mostly intrigued to see how he will manage to offer low cost health care in the Cayman Islands. Given how high the cost of living is in the Cayman Islands, employees will need to be paid accordingly. Also, running the hospital will be much more expensive compared to most other places. Utilities, import duties, office supplies, food for the kitchen etc etc, everything will be quite expensive.

    If you google Dr. Shetty, you will come across articles where he states that the secret of his success is the high number of operations. He states that “In the western countries in a heart hospital, they do about one or two operations in a day. We (in India?) do 25 heart operations in a day. So by the sheer size, our cost of procedure comes down.”

    Hands up if you believe that they will be able to do 25 heart surgeries a day in Cayman in order to lower the cost (and I mean all year round)!

  9. Anonymous says:

    First of all, how does anyone come to the conclusion that this happened based on Government efforts? Where is the support for that conclusion?

    Secondly, I would think that this doctor has strategically picked Cayman because (a) proximity to the USA (and one of the major airports – Miami), (b) because it is (at least for now) politicaly stable as a UK territory (c) the climate.

    • Anonymous says:

      I know the inside story of how this came about and yes, a big part of the effort to get Dr. Shetty to pick the Cayman Islands came from Mark Scotland with full support from the Premier.  Gene Thompson was also involved.

      Of course, that was not the only determination – all the factors you state above were also considered.

    • Anonymous says:

      The reasons you cite are all valid but in my opinion the biggest factor in choosing Cayman – the absence of direct TAX. I wonder how much his organisation understands of the UK’s intention to force direct taxation in Cayman?  

      • Anonymous says:

        That intention will be over in about 7 monthswhen new Labour is on the street.  The Tories will be sympathetic and even supportive of Cayman’s cause.

  10. Anonymous says:

    Caymanians you all are ungrateful people what you all need to do in God eyes is to learn to appreciate the good that he has done for this Country! Love thy neighbors as thyself! LISTEN! THINK! AND LEARN Having a hospital with over 2000 beds will create more jobs for us! So STOP hating and make the expat feel welcome, instead of bashing them with your slogans!

    • steven says:

      You stated, "Caymanians you ALL are ungrateful people"

      Are ALL Caymanians ungrateful?  I think your remark shows to everyone your small intelligence, but God will hopefully widen it as you more and more surrender to him. As an expat, I find it hard for you to "Love thy neighbors as thyself," and at the same time, carry your "hurt," victimization or envy inside you.

      Get over it, my friend, you have good people here and much of life to enjoy – why hold onto a few rotten apples.

      Repent!

    • Anonymous says:

      8:05 you write nonesense. A hospital with 2000 beds will not give Caymanians jobs. This Dr. will have to hire many many qualified medical professionals from overseas to run this hospital, so in know way is this going to benefit the Caymanian people. He is not going to be able to provide low healthcare cost as suggested either. He wants to place this hospital here not for the Caymanian people but to attract the North American market. He will not survive because Caymanians will still travel overseas to see doctors and i doubt that the North American people are going to travel here to see Dr. Shetty when they are surrounded with some of the world’s leading doctors. I think this project is a waste !

      • Dr DoLittle says:

        I am sorry that you have failed to properly consider what this good doctor is doing.  You should read more.

      • Anonymous says:

        Maybe it will help with education or literacy more specifically.  Your "know way" should be "no way".   That being said, ANY tourists (medical or otherwise) coming here will benefit the Cayman economy.  You are right though, it won’t help you become a doctor anytime soon.

      • Anonymous says:

        Wow, you must have an impressive background in economic research on the medical industry to write so confidently about such complex subjects.

        Wait a minute – what do you mean that this is just talking out of your _ss?

  11. RVT-D says:

    Hmmmm…Interesting how the UDPers here are suggesting that this is a move thought out and initiated by UDP – more specifically Mark and Mac.

    If this is really to be a 2000 bed hospital plus a medical college then this is a project of at least several hundred million dollars. Just look at the extrapolated figures provided by our friend Dred, based on Miami Baptist and South Miami hospitals.

    For anyone with half a brain, do you really believe that Mac and Mark initiated this in the few short months that they have been in office? Or maybe, with a project of this magnitude that they were made aware of the possibility of this enormous project only after several months or years of thoughts or feasibility studies done by Shetty and his people? Just saying….

    If this comes to fruition on Mac’s watch it only means one thing myfriends – he will get the the credit for this being his brain child. Oh, also the fact that he was in the right place at the right time – just like the Premiership (if you listen to him) was forced upon him.

  12. Andrew says:

    2000 Beds

    THAT MEANS HE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

    IMMIGRATION EXPOSED here we come! Alot of Swine flu patients, desease patients, “don’t know what you have” patients…

    I can see it now:

    A flu like symtom has taken Caymanians. They are dying one by one like flies.

    And hmmm… 2000 beds… He must plan to have them all stack up in gymnasium!

    What about land for the Caymanian who want home and a piece of land? How much “land” will it take to construct such a hospital. I mean we are a small Island and the foreignors out number us already.

    WILL CAYMANIANS GET GOOD JOBS WITH GOOD WAGES IF THEY WORK FOR DR. SHETTY?

  13. Anonymous says:

    The point is not whether he is muslim, hindu, or a follower of confuscianism… the point is that the deputy leader is intolerant of any other people working in the islands that she will call them out in the political arena… just ask the teacher that was targeted during election time… imagine a Dr.

    I say out with her and in with the hospital… after all she got the least number of votes but has the 2nd most powerful word in the Cayman Islands… exactly who is she speaking for… the 400 and change people that voted for her. She didn’t even have 5 % of the total votes and wants to speak for the entire population… let’s get her out before she turns away this promising project!!!

    Bring in the hospital Doc. The rest of the Cayman Islands are ready to accept and welcome you!!

    • Dred says:

      Hold on a second. Hold on one second.

      Do you guys actually think something this big this grand in size and scale does not have Big Mac hands in it? Do you actually think he didn’t know about this?

      Step back for a second and re-examine all that has gone on and all the retoric he has spilled out. Look closely at the choice of words he used.

      First he launched the fear…We are bankrupt and that we would have to leave our comfort zone. Then the foreign investment dialogue with how we treat them and how we should cut the red tape. Come on are we that naive to not see this?

      My question is this. Did PPM really really really do such a bad job or are we all being played by the Financial Secretary, Big Mac and the UDP.

      Look I am not saying this is not good for Cayman because it might well save our hide but to be played this way and not realise it is sad.

      In the end know one thing. With something this large someone will make a fortune. This project is going to be a few billion dollars well. It’s going to redefine the Cayman Islands. It’s going to create a whole new industry, new careers. It’s going to possibly solve some of CIG overweight issues.

      It’s going to be a cure for many ills but as with anything good comes something bad.

      How in the world do we facilitate another 15,000 people on the Cayman Islands? Traffic, accommodations, supplies, etc. Was this segment thought out or was Big Mac just saying lets just do it and worry about it after.

      Thing is Ezzard is in quite a predicament if you ask me. It’s right down his avenue of being medical. It could be in his area of Frank Sound/North Side. He’s also the voice of reason in all of this. Can he put aside all that benefits him and his community for the possible betterment of the Cayman Islands?

      This is going to be interesting to say the least.

      • Anonymous says:

        Ezzard sees no problems.  Caymanians can do all jobs and be trained for any job in under 7 tears.  All hospital staff should know they are going to be kicked off in 7 years – easy.  As Ezzard wrote in the past – he is not racist, he just believes that Caymanians are the best workers in the world.

        • Dred says:

          You are joking right? This is not a serious comment right? It can’t be.

          You do realise a 2,000 bed hospital needs like 1,000’s upon 1,000’s of staff.

          If you look at some models such as Baptist Hospital in Miami you would know that there are about 7 to 8 staffper bed. You role the numbers now.

          Baptist Hospital has 680 beds and has over 5,000 staff. South Miami has 460 beds and over 3,000 staff.

          Do you know where we have 15,000 Caymanians hiding? Do you also think all 15,000 that you seem to know where they are hiding CAN actually do something in the medical field? The question is not some but ALL. That reminds me I seem to be missing a cousin Wilbur have you seen him?

          Let me spell this out for you slooooowly so you can grasp this.

          We will have 10,000 plus new work permits being granted. With each permit could come a family of 2 or more. This will be a phased event not like all next year.

          My comment about Ezzard is not saying he’s racist. I do not believe he is one way or the other I was merely stating he will be in what I would term and "interesting" position. He is one of the most knowledgeable in the LA on this but also possibly stands to gain from it should it be located in his district which is a likely scenario. He will be in one regard fighting himself.

          On a final note I would say I have gained a HUGE amount of respect for Ezzard as he has shown to date that he holds no punches when it comes to things that need further explanation or that simply does not make rational sense. I can only hope that he continues this.

          So in no way am I disrespecting him on this. I was merely saying he will possibly be in an "interesting" position.

           

          • Anonymous says:

            I am a hard-working Caymanian who actually worked with Ezzard at one his failed private sector jobs and I don’t wantto say that he was useless, because he was actually worse than useless.  He was openly hostile to many of his colleagues and created problems at every turn.

            He is one of the minority of Caymanians that was such a horrible employee that he helped create a bad reputation (in the minds of some ignorant ex-pats) for Caymanian workers, which is a major disservice to the rest of Caymanians MOST of whom do a respectable job.

            Now he takes advantage of the very resentment that people like him helped to create, with his dangerous words.

        • Anonymous says:

          and this morning he said the service at the ritz stinks! probably not serving enough turtle stew!

          • Twyla Vargas says:

            STOP FANNING FIRE !!

            • Expat 333 says:

              I agree Twyla.  Some of the people blessed enough to be here don’t stop to appreciate the gift we have received, expat and Caymanian alike, but instead stir up trouble and strife with sarcastic and mean-spirited remarks.

              Look around folks – these are tough times and we need to be looking around at our brothers and sisters (the family of people that is) who are sharing this beautiful Island, be it for a short time or a long time, and try to support each other and help everyone "get through".  Don’t cut each other down – instead help each other stand taller.

              The core of what is good about this place is the strength of the Caymanian spirit.  It is a great shame when that spirit gets caught up in the troubles of the times.

              As to my fellow expats: be nice to these people.  We are their guests and they do not deserve sarcasm and meanness.  You pollute a beautiful thing with any rudeness to our hosts.

              • Anonymous says:

                Dear Mr. Miller we are sorry if we responded sarcastically to your statements of narrow minded nationalism.  Apparently we should have been nicer to you when we pointed out that you are doing more to fan the flames of disharmony than any other single person in this territory. 

      • Just Sayin says:

        Interestingly enough Dred, if we are to have an influx of persons, whatever the number, we might also need schools for their children to attend. At least I would be able to rent my apartment out I suppose.

  14. Anonymous says:

    To Caymanians and expats – get ready to enjoy lower health care cost…..To those surgeons and doctors who charge exorbitant fees from poor patients, collect as much as possible now before the competition sets in. To insurance companies, be ready to lower your premiums please. For far too long certain doctors in these islands have abused the poorly regulated health care system in this country.

    There are rumors of some poor Caymanian patients mortgaging their inherited lands to certain doctors to get surgeries done as they cannot afford to pay those higherfees and hospital charges. So eventually, when you cannot settle the loan (not sure what kind ofinterest is charged on the loans and obviously it cannot be LIBOR + 0.5%), the land gets vested to the doctor. So funny enough, sometimes these doctors get nominated for queens honors too. A Lot of people in this country does not know these sad stories but these things are happening behind those closed doors.

    A lot of doctors recommend unnecessary medical procedures, just to get the insurance money. There should be regulations in this country where second opinions should always be sought before any opening of the body. Insurance companies should insist this before approving a surgery. Government should protect the people, not any special interests…….

    Congratulations to the government in this initiative.

  15. Pipe dream, too good to be true; maybe this is all so, but perhaps this is the push needed for parents to encourage their kids to go into the medical field. The possibilities are endless – xray techs, lab tech/ phlebotomists, echo tech, transcribers, coders, nurses,etc…… not only doctors! We already have these positions and many if not MOST are filled by expats.

    Encourage the school kids to consider the medical field as a career {instead of leaving school to work in a bank for car} and if not certain volunteer at one of the 2 hospitals or the several out-patient labs.

    Dr. Shetty’s hospital here or not we still need our own!

  16. Anonymous says:

    UDP bringin in another project to pull Cayman out of the trenches.

  17. Anonymous says:

    Dr. Shetty is Hindu…not a Muslim.

    Do you even know the difference ?

    Please keep your foot in your mouth and spare us.

    This has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with money. Slim Mac will make it happen.

    • having received a gift says:

      Dr. Shetty has the gift and the knowledge the be a surgeon of world class reputation.

      If there is anybody in our Government who will question such a "gift" as "less" than the blessing it is…..I feel sorry for all of us and everything we stand for. 

      T.D.

       

    • Jesus love you (Some restrictions apply) says:

      Oh, he’s Hindu, not Muslim? Well, that clears up everything. I’m sure Govt’s number-2 person, Julianna Oconnor-Connolly-Conner-Connolly, will embrace a Hindu without reservation.

      Ha!

      Clearly you know nothing about her views.

  18. Jesus love you (Some restrictions apply) says:

    The previous post is right on target. The UDP’s number-two person, Julianna Oconnor-Connolly-Oconnor-Connelly-Conner, will not stand for this.

    If Dr. Shetty is indeed a Muslim she likely will tell the loonies who vote for her every four years that Cayman must choose between greed and Baby Jesus. She is on record saying that Muslims are outsiders that have no place in Cayman. If they shouldn’t teach in our schools, as she said, then how can she tolerate a Muslim running one of our hospitals?

    • Anon says:

      If any of you religious pinheads (not this poster) make this about religion instead of about opportunity, you deserve to suffer the most as the Cayman economy dies while you flap about your hatred while thumping a Bible that you don’t even understand.

      If you really heard the word(s) and loved mankind, you’d provide a blessing to us and shut the fxxx up. Or better yet, go crucify yourselves in the name of your bent religion.

      Definitely high on the list of things that pi$$ me off.

    • Anonymous says:




      You are disillusioned, what do you mean by “then how can she tolerate a Muslim running one of our hospitals?”

       

      Will the hospital be for you or any Caymanian?…. to the best of my memory I believe this proposed hospital will be owned by Dr. Shetty. Much respect to Dr Tomlinson, but I don’t think any Caymanian have the resources to invest in an institution of this magnitude.

      That said the owner appears to be a selfless individual as he like Mr. Dart is happy to share with selfish, self centered, ….. and self serving Caymanians.

       

      P.S. I am aware that approximately 80% of all Caymanians are genuine, God fearing, kind and decent people. I am calling on you to disassociate yourselves from the select few such as the above poster so you are not classed as same.

       

      Dear all;

       

      One can argue that the name Caymanian is not an internationally recognized term for the native or inhabitant of the Cayman Islands, however as a locally accepted term we need to preserve the pride this word is used with by over 80% of the populace.

      Can you image what a stay over tourist may conclude after reading the above mentioned post pre-traveling to the Caymans on a medical appointment?


      • Anon says:

        "Can you image what a stay over tourist may conclude after reading the above mentioned post pre-traveling to the Caymans on a medical appointment?"

        They will surmise, quite correctly, that there are some rather vocal peasant-minded xenophobic jackasses here, and that the education system has failed them.  They may come to learn that the Deputy Premier is amongst them.  Hopefully the staggering silence of those with IQs higher than, say, 80 will not deter the would-be tourist.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Surely there is a mistake involving a decimal point. If it was 200 beds the story could be believable, but 2000 beds? Hmmmm…

  20. Anonymous says:

    Good initiative Mark and the UDP government XXX.

    Next move is to make an arrangement with St. Mathews University to accept qualified Caymanian students into their medical program at reduced tuition fees. Mark, you and Rolly should partner on that one.  

    • Parp says:

      Why should Caymanians get reduced tuition fees? Always trying to get something for nothing round here…..

  21. Dred says:

    Here are some numbers to consider when it comes to staffing:

    Baptist Hospital in Miami:

    Beds:     680

    Staff:      5,674 (Including Physicians)

    Extrapolated out we would get:

    Beds:      2,000

    Staff:        16,680

    South Miami Hospital

    Beds:      460

    Staff:        3,636 (Including Physicians)

    Extrapolated out we would get:

    Beds:       2,000

    Staff:        15,800

     

    That’s just two hospitals but I am sure the numbers will work out similar across other hospitals also. I think it will take in the area of 10,000 to 20,000 staff to man that hospital.

    There is also talk of a University so look for more there.

    Where are all these staff coming from? How do we manage 15k more people here? Traffic? Shopping? Schools? Crime? Is our infrastructure capable of processing paperwork for them? Remember 15k is staff what about families of staff?

    While this looks like it could redo the Cayman Islands are we ready for this?

  22. Anonymous says:

    Of course it won’t happen.  Our Acting Premier would never allow that many Muslims into the islands.

    Remember what she said during the campaign… "I even understand there is "one" teaching at the school."

    I can just see headlines now…  Acting Premier squashes multibillion dollar deal for islands because of Muslims.

    • Anonymous says:

      And how do you know he is Muslim?  This seems like an ignorant statement, as many East Indians are Christian or Hindu.  Unless you have something to back up your claim otherwise I will assume that you don’t know your left from your right hand since you figured he was Muslim why???

    • Anonymous says:

      Why do talk about "Muslims"?  Only about 13% of India is Muslim.

      And Dr. Shetty has a hindu background.

      So did you write this out of sheer ignorance or do you have some information that Dr. Shetty plans to use mainly Muslim doctors and staff?

    • NSS says:

      80.4% of Indians are Hindu.  Only 13.4% are Muslim.

    • anon says:

      Ahh the ignorance, once again.

      Most Indians are Hindu (86%), but as the Deputy Premier likes to compare them to Satanists, may be the same thing applies

    • Marek says:

      More than 80% of Indians are Hindu. Muslims are a minority in India and while I am sure a percentage of the staff would come from India… that’s a little short sighted. Any project of this size would have employees from all over the world and I suspect the employment numbers would closely follow Cayman’s existing patterns of employment.

    • Anonymous says:

      Take charge of your future Cayman!  Stamp out small-minded religious bigotry and embrace the 21st century with wisdom and intelligence. 

      Crush those who would destroy your future in the name of peasant beliefs!

    • Anonymous says:

      My point was not aimed at Dr. Shetty at all.  I certainly respect him and his work. 

      For those of you that can read…. my point was that the Deputy Premier is so anti anything other than Christianity that Dr. Shetty had better be Christian if he plans on getting a hospital in Cayman… that or we need to get rid of the Dep. Prem.  I support the latter of these two options.

      So, let me clear this up for those of you who can’t read… I want Dr. Shetty and his team of Dr’s (wherever they’re from) to come to Cayman.

      Further… (and my main point) I want our Deputy Premier to be accepting of others or get out. 

      Read people… read!!!

  23. Anonymous says:

    I can understand some peoples scepticism. but don’t fiorget a lot of people thought that the Ritz Carlton would never be built. And plenty of people were dubious about Camana bay too.

  24. Anonymous says:

    The Doctors that now have the private pratice that ripping caymanian off. and spending the weekend at club med and other area will get a rude awaking,However they will raise all hel and stop the project.

    It will be taken money from there pockets.We have trouble with them taken our insurance cards now,with this pay me an you collect from the insurance company. It has to stop. If he provide a service on the Islands then they must accept all health Insurance cards.

    Caymanian how many times have you not heard what I am saying.

    I time for the change.2000 rooms hospital  is the answer.

  25. Anonymous says:

    This project would pave the way for new industries in Cayman. What an incredible doctor to have associated with this proposed medical facility. Kudos to the government of the day for having the vision.

  26. Twyla Vargas says:

    THIS IS A BIG DREAM for the Cayman Islands which I would like to see become a reality.  At the moment Caymanians and a few other countries are going to Cuba for these medical treament.  Cuba has good doctors but most of their equipment is out dated, so is their medication.  I visited a dental clinic for treatment just a few days ago in Camaguey this clinic is adjoining the military clinic, and I was really petrified just getting an Xray.  The exray machine resembled a small atom bomb. The conditions of equipments were rusty and and not sanitized, no gloves, water dripping from pipes everywhere, and plaster for teeth all over the place.

    I believe Cayman should invite this opportunity with close observation.  But I also believe that those who believe in this working for Cayman should also keep a watchful eye on all movements.  Pay close attention to the setting up and ensuring that we are getting the best of the cake, and do not be afraid to holler about any cloth that gets trimmed.

    Another thing.  I support government giving up property for it to be constructed on, 99 years low lease sounds good.   Give them the property and let them construct.    Lets face it We do not have the money to build big projects now, so what are we going to do?, stop progress because we are half way broke.  That does not make sence to me.  Let the process go on, just make sure and make it your business to get involved in seeing that every thing goes as planned.

    In the same breath I want to say, I was in Cuba for three weeks and I was most impressed with the improvements being made there.  These investments are being made by foreign companies.  Dont be fooled by the small unkept houses you see, Cuba is fast returning to be the Jewel of the Caribbean with the assistance of outside investors.  Also dont let anyone tell you that Cuba has no crime and is ceap.  That is a lie, One Cuban Dollar is equal one Cayman Dollar.  You get exactly what you pay for in quality.  

    I was most impressed with the airport.  It makes Cayman Airport look like foolishness, and fast resembling the airport of Orlando.  Sometime ago I heard that Dart Company wanted to help us with the construction of a new airport……..Leave the man alone and make him build it, the dock too.   And why should,nd he enjoy the uses of it.  

    I say support the building of this hospital, support the land being giving up by the government also.  My only small request is that is constructed in one of the outer districts, as far out in much quiet peaceful surroundings or even on Cayman Brac Bluff.  I would like to see the best world known specialist working there.  Why not?  It will keep us on the map, and I believe we need that right now.  Walk good.

  27. Anonymous says:

    "It will never happen and its not going to create any jobs for Caymanians either!"

     

    I suggest you go back to bed and roll out the other side. Contrarian.

    • Anonymous says:

      It does not matter what side of the be I roll out on because this project will not happen !

  28. Anonymous says:

    It will never happen and its not going to create any jobs for Caymanians either!

    • Anonymous says:

      If it happens, which I beleive that it will, of course it would create jobs for Caymanians.  What you probably are saying is that it won’t create HIGH PAYING jobs for Caymanians right away, which might be corret since Doctors need to attend University for many years, get experience, and actually leave the island.

      This life is not about "jobs for Caymanians", this would be a huge benefit to the economics of the Cayman Islands, which is MORE important than just "jobs for Caymanians".

      • Twyla Vargas says:

        08:04 I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOUR Comments. "If it happens"  You see I prefer to have a positive attitude until there is reason for a negative one.  I totally agree that life is not completely about "securing jobs for Caymanians"  however, I do believe Caymanians will benefit from this venture. 

        One thing I have observed and is happy about, is that Caymanians are not passive about issues anymore.  They voice their opinion agressively if you do not want to listen.  They holler, roll over, beat  their chest,  scream and get on that talk show and tell you exactly how they feel.  I am very proud of those people who have, what we call "Come out they shell"  It is about time.   that is just a Caymanian saying.  I know many Caymanians will sign anonymous for fear of victimization, fine that is their perogerative, but like anything else that too will change. 

         If you choose to critize a point, suggestion , or comment comment openly, I would think that, honest and fairminded people should take it with a grain of salt. 

        But when we openly abuse one another in a personal attacting way because of their own opinions and views,  It is not the correct way to go.  

         Intelligent Caymanians,  who can stand on the fence and observe the grass, will observe the making of this project and comment. On the other hand we will continue to have  "Die Hard" Political,  Stragetic minds , who will not change.  But guess what, we need them too because  if all the roses in the garden were red it would not be beautiful place.. Embrace each other in faith and we will have a better Cayman.,

    • Anonymous says:

      Please crawl back under the PPM rock in which you came from. 

      Besides the pessimism, your post makes no sense. Of course its not going to create any jobs if it doesn’t happen.  That is a truism.

      If it does happen, how could it not create hundreds of Caymanian jobs?  The increase in Government jobs alone would probably be more than 100.  Not too mention the construction and, eventually, the retail and hospitality business opportunities.

      And that doesn’t even include the direct jobs on campus.

    • Anonymous says:

      Here are a few ways such an industry may help CAYMANIANS.

      1) CAYMANIANS will enjoy cheaper, more convenient and probably better health care. It beats going to Miami. 

      2) Many Caymanians are landlords. Themore people that come to the island, the more rent is collected by CAYMANIANS.

      3)  The more people that come to the island, the more the government makes in work permit fees, import duties, car licenses, etc. All of this is passed on to CAYMANIANS, in the form of free schools, park facilities, etc. 

      4) The more goods that are imported to the island, the better the economies of scale. That means FOOD is cheaper. Haven’t you noticed that since the rollover there is less spending here and prices have gone up? This trend will reverse and CAYMANIANS will benefit.

      5) The inclusion of people leads to growth and prosperity for all, including CAYMANIANS. The opposite is also true. 

      6) Caymanians can get jobs in such a facility which requires more than doctors and nurses, at first. Much administrative staff will be required as well. There is also the spin offs of hotels, taxis, airfares, restaurants. Keeping in mind that CAYMAIANS own 60 to 100% of these businesses.

      I could go on, but the real question is how would CAYMANIANS NOT benefit. Perhaps its time to be more positive and show some gratitude. Any other country would move aggressively to tie such an opportunity down. Cayman will reach its peak when we hear "How will this benefit ALL the lovely people who reside in and have had a hand in developing these blessed islands."

       

       

  29. Anonymous says:

    The Times of India has an excellent article on this. Appears it is a reality.  The only thing concerning is that it appears government is giving him land, and that government had vetted others as well.  Now, I don’t have a problem (of course) with bringing something like this here or how it was handled, in fact I think it is marvelous, but I can’t get past the secrecy that McKeeva and his collegues constantly portray.  Those who have nothing to hide, hide nothing.  XXXXX

    http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Indian-healthcare-a-part-of-the-American-Dream/articleshow/5258425.cms

     

    From the article, "has been chosen by the Cayman government to set up a health city in one of its islands."  
     

    "Also, an agreement has been made with Cayman Airlines, which will offer discounted airfare for early morning flights. People can come in the morning, get their CT/MRI or other tests done and return in the evening. They do not need a visa to get there."

    "The Cayman government has offered a 100-acre plot to Narayana Hrudalaya and this venture is going to be a partnership between the two. "I made a presentation to the Cayman island parliament, after which they invited us to set this up. Cayman island’s PM will be in Bangalore on December 17 to inaugurate our cancer hospital," Dr Shetty said. "

  30. Anonymous says:

    here is what the Indian press are saying…Shetty is saying it will start as a 500-bed hospital and grow to 2000. There will also be a medical college. Interstingly the article states that CIG will give them a 100 acre plot to build it on..

     

    http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Indian-healthcare-a-part-of-the-American-Dream/articleshow/5258425.cms

  31. Anonymous says:

    I worry that this will end up a disappointing dream of a project that might have been. We are ideally suited for American clientele (easier to travel to than Cuba, better reputation from an American perspective than Mexico), and if completed this hospital would be incredible. Let’s hope for good news, but steel ourselves in case it doesn’t come to fruition.

  32. Anonymous says:

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125875892887958111.html

    Here is the Wall Street Journal article for those that are interested.  It is really interesting reading on how this guy has been able to make advanced health care a reality for millions of poor Indians.

    Hopefully Ezzard will be off island when Government votes on this proposal.  He’s liable to open up his mouth and screw this up.

    • Anonymous says:

      On the Independence Tuesday radio talk show he will make his opinion known, you can be sure of that.

  33. Anonymous says:

    The number of staff needed for each hospital bed varies according to the type of patients etc but for critical care surgery with 3 shifts of nurses, other ward staff, laboratory staff, diagnostics staff, housekeeping staff, kitchen staff, etc. is frequently about 10 staff per critical care bed. If Dr. Shetty’s hospital has anything like that number it will create a demand for something like 20,000 staff. There is no surplus of Caymanians in health care so the implication is that there will be a requirement for 20,000 more permit holders plus their families. Even if the project is phased in over a few years that is a lot of people for the island’s infrastructure and environment to absorb.  It would be a boost to the economy but at what cost?

  34. Anonymous says:

    sounds too big to be true to me, but here is hoping.  The impact would be immense.

    I can’t see anything this size being built in Cayman quickly…

  35. S Keptic says:

    Skeptism is my name…

  36. Too Rashnul says:

    Is it March 31?  I feel a certain uneasiness…

  37. Anonymous says:

    This is really great news for the Cayman Islands, the Caribbean region, and the Southern United States.

     

  38. Anonymous says:

    Sounds like a pipe dream to me!!

  39. Dred says:

    This could be something of interest to us here.

    I have been harping over the past few weeks on looking into new directions and some not so new ones.

    Medical Tourism is definitely not a completely new idea but it could work for us for a number of reasons. Namely our location as being close to the US, respected in terms of laws and security and already well known.

    Now I am guessing this more or less fell into our laps because my thought on this is he was looking at Mexico as a possible alternative but wasn’t too fond of the rep they are getting for their medical practices. Far too many cases in Mexico of surgeries gone bad and that probably doesn’t resignate well with image of new facilties.

    Now I say this guardedly. This is a big thing. It has the potential to changing the way we look at the Cayman Islands but like with everything that has great impact there is the chance for severe damage also.

    What I see in this is:

    1) Lots of work for people in the Cayman Islands

    2) Possibility of new careers in medicine

    3) New Tourism product which could bring more people here even after the treatments.

    This has tremendous upside and the downside is probably not as visible but equally as deadly as life would always have it be.

    Let’s thread carefully.

  40. Anonymous says:

    McKeeva and Mark Scotland are THE MEN!!!  This is a huge win for the Cayman Islands.

    Mac-bashers – what you have to say now?

    • Anonymous says:

      These doctors are welcomed with open arms. (They just can’t stay to long.)

    • Dred says:

      I guess I would fall into the Mac Basher category because I still haven’t gotten over:

      1) First Cayman Bank

      2) 3,000 Status Grants

      3) Ludicrous Pirates Week name change to "Heritage Week"

      Shall I continue?

      Well I have always said that while I do take serious shots at him I do try to give credit where it is due. I believe my term is give the DEVIL his due.

      Where I do give him credit for would be:

      1) Ivan turnaround – It was amazing how far we came in such a short period of time. Only take a look at New Orleans 4 years post hurricane and then see where we were less than 1 year later. He did an amazing job getting us back on our feet. Not sure Kurt would have acheived what he did.

      2) Cruise Tourism I believe was also his brainchild in increasing the volume we were getting. While they are no where as lucrative as flying tourist every dollar counts.

      Now we have this and this shows tremendous potential in redefining who we are and what we are about. I will say this we may have literally created a new industry if this does come to bare. I am only hoping that we don’t give up TOOOOO much to get it because in the end we need the dollars to make this work.

      There is also a downside to this we may not fully see as yet so BEWARE. Sometimes I feel like we are being set up for something. I sit back and take note of all that’s happening:

      1) WE ARE BROKE!!! Screamed from every mountain top. This creates fear and less resistance. Were we actually as bad off as it was made out to be? Did PPM really do as bad a job as it was made out? Was the books made to look worse than it really was? So many questions come to mind.

      2) Words of need to change our views on investors and HELPING them and all that jazz. Things about work permits and all that jazz.

      3) Then weeks later this!!

      Guys and gals these sorts of things don’t happen overnight. They take serious planning, months and months of it, sometimes years. This project is in the 100’s of millions of dollars possibly up to a few billion dollars.

      This whole thing was going on well before Big Mac got into office.

      I am not saying its bad I am only saying I would thread carefully. When lots of money is flying around like it will in this some greedy people will be there to collect their share. Mr AG I hope you wear fireproof undergarments because your water is about to get REAL hot.

      So don’t go getting too happy just yet because you might be eating your foot later.

  41. Anonymous says:

    I think this thing is legit.  I heard that there are major players financing this project and that it will directly create 1,000 new jobs on the island (imagine the spin-offs).  I would think that all-in (direct jobs and spin-offs) there should be at least 300-400 jobs for Caymanians.

    If these numbers are anywhere near true, it would basically eliminate the Caymanian unemployment problem.

    I heard a rumour that this will be build in East End and that the first phase will start construction by next summer.

    • Dred says:

      Your numbers are no way near the reality.

      The question we should be looking at is where will we hold them all.

      The spinoff is THOUSANDS of jobs and THOUSANDS of work permits. The numbers of employees needed at a hospital with 2,000 beds is potentially between 10,000 and 20,000 staff.

      Now where do we put these people? Shall we all start apartment building now?

      • Anonymous says:

        I was being conservative.  But your number of 10 – 20k is way too high.

        I think the initial plan is to have around 1,000 staff working for the hospital, and that number will grow as they get up to the eventual 2,000 beds.  Also, it they build a university that will also be another big number.

        So perhaps, you can get up to 3,000 or so total staff, but even that is probably aggressive. I can’t imagine any way that you get above 10k, let alone 20k.

        • O'Really says:

          I briefly did some research on this and my initial findings suggest that the range for employees per bed is anything from 1 to 8, depending upon the nature of the medical procedures performed. The average in the US is around 4. More complicated procedures require higher staffing levels, so my guess is that at least the average staffing level would apply, so the initial 500 beds would be 2000 staff, rising to 8000 if the 2000 bed hospital is developed.

          These numbers worry me. You would have to be blind and deaf not to realise that social tensions in Cayman are running high. Do Caymanians really need a sudden influx of 2000 plus expats, because to get this up and running, this is almost certainly what will happen? What impact will a single, non-government employer of this size have? Some sections of Cayman will benefit, but I suspect it will be the sections which have already benefited most from Cayman’s growth. How much will trickle down to people who turned up for the governments clean up campaign?

          Whether Dr. Shetty brings in medical staff predominantly from India or not, his management style is very much rooted in Indian culture. No matter what the national make up of his staff, the way they will have to perform and the way they will have to deal with Caymanians is likely to be very different  to anything Caymanians are use to. I’m not at all sure that if this becomes a reality, it will be a reality that the average Caymanian will enjoy.

          I’m neither for nor against this idea because there are too many unknowns, but I do warn Caymanians to try to look beyond the dollar signs. These are difficult times and decisions made under economic duress should probably be given more, not less, consideration than they would receive in good times.

  42. Anonymous says:

    Who will be the Caymanian partner? 

    • Anonymous says:

      The article says Gene Thompson.

    • Anonymous says:

      If you read the article, "one of the local partners involved is Gene Thompson"

      • Anonymous says:

        Thank you, but that can’t be right because that would mean at least one Caymanian (and his family) would be benefitting. Based on some of the posts, this just isn’t possible. 

  43. Anonymous says:

    Interesting. A an entirely new industry for Cayman. One with a phenomenal future. One one hand, there would be tremendous benefits for Cayman. On the other hand, it means many highly educated / qualified expats who will likely get residency and then status. How will Immigration cope with this? After all, too many in Immigration believe they are there to prevent this very thing from happening. 

  44. Marek says:

    The cost of building US hospitals is $1.2 million per room. I would guess that Dr. Shetty would be looking to do it for much less, but then you have the added costs related to Cayman and hurricane proofing…

    The cost of this could very well be $2 billion. Personally I think so many investors would line up for it that he would be oversubscribed.

    The governement will obviously have to give some incentives but hopefully doesn’t give away the store… the stamp duty on this project … could almost pay off the national debt.

    I think the first posters guestimate on doctors and staff is way low. Figure a nursing station covers maybe 25 rooms and has four nurses at peak. You’ve got 320 nurses on the day shift… these things run 24/7…

    By the time you factor in everybody, I think you’re looking at perhaps 2,500 employees and while that number might seem high, just keep in mind this isn’t a conventional business. 

    These places operate around the clock. The cleaning staff will likely number close to 200… just support staff for the complex will most likely be close to 100 and you have not even scratched the surface.

    This would also make our existing medical costs much more competitive.

    Here’s hoping.

     

     

     

     

  45. Bodden says:

    What will that mean for the CAYMANIAN???

    • Anonymous says:

      Increased business either directly, or indirectly, puts food on your table. The more revenue Government collects, the more jobs, facilities, benefits it can provide. This is a good thing, isn’t it?

  46. Anonymous says:

    Perhaps they would put it in Frank Sound area and use the Clifton Hunter site as part of the development, say as a rehab area or university or both?

    We would certainly get much needed cash from all the activity associated with this and rethink our schools strategy after finishing the John Gray project asap.

     

  47. Don't worry I wont stay says:

     A 2000 room hospital is really really big. Is it too big to be true?

    If it is real the development will be spectacular. I am completely guessing here but… 100 doctors, 500 staff (more?) the houses, cars, work permit fees… And if I am going away to have a surgery my family is coming with me. 2000 new hotel rooms? Airfares, rental cars, groceries, restaurants…

    A billion dollars a year is the number that will come out soon.

    Is it too big to be true?

    • Anonymous says:

      Under the UDP, anything is possible. If this was the PPM as our Government we would have to worry because we can see the mess and expense with just two high schools. 

      But with the UDP in control there is confidence again in the Cayman Islands and people are ready to invest. 

      Good medical care for residents and another significant leg to our economy. Great news, only hope it gets going quickly.

    • Lachlan MacTavish says:

      Time to convert the present hospital into a non draining asset for the CIG….social services…boys and girls facilty etc etc……. 

    • Mozzie Fodder says:

      Correction – 2000 beds; although some private rooms may be available most beds will probably be on wards – 6 to 10 beds per room?