THE long-delayed Central Block of the Port of Spain General Hospital is 97% complete and on track for substantial completion by 14 July, bringing the facility a step closer to full clinical operations.This follows a response from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to the Express yesterday, after it was asked whether the $1.3 billion, 540-bed hospital project had been completed by the revised deadline of June 30.The ministry stated that the Central Block is in the final stages, with the overall project approximately 97% complete as of June 23, 2026.It further noted that significant progress has been made in transitioning the facility from a largely underutilised asset to one that is actively advancing towards full clinical operations.As part of the preparation process, the ministry said the facility had undergone comprehensive deep cleaning in preparation for occupation.The ministry further said that the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, in its capacity as project manager, has projected an updated substantial completion date of July 14, 2026.It underscored that this milestone relates to the completion of mechanical, electrical and plumbing works, ICT works and other related items required to advance the facility towards handover and operational readiness.Upon completion, the facility would be formally handed over to the Ministry of Health.The previous government approved the construction of the Central Block in 2017. The project faced several challenges, including the 2018 earthquake and the Covid-19 pandemic.