These new wards, at a cost of 720,500 pesos, have highly efficient technologies, such as neonatal ventilation equipments, sophisticated incubators and high resolution gasometers, which will help lower the infant mortality rate, which in 2007 reached the historic low of 2.6 per 1000 new-born in the province.

The facilities, located in the second floor of the Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial Hospital, have 620 beds and will guarantee greater comfort for patients and workers, thanks to restoration works and furniture replacement.

They will also help to offer a more comprehensive attention to expectant mothers, mothers and new-borns, given the existence of a closer relation with other specialities, as well as with other services offered in the main hospital of Sancti Spíritus.

Balaguer visited other areas of the hospital, such as the Ophthalmologic Center, where more than 1,500 surgeries have been performed from its creation in November 2007.

The Cuban Health Care minister also visited the haemodialysis ward, equipped with high tech equipment to treat patients from seven municipalities of Sancti Spíritus, where eight kidney transplants have already been performed from its inauguration on December 2007.

(www.juventudrebelde.co.cu)