LOAN COMPLETION REVIEW AND REPORT

This final evaluation"s timeframe and methodology are not specified. Delays in project implementation, delivery of equipment, and submission of final vouchers necessitated three extensions of the terminal date for loan disbursement, totalling 27 months. These delays were attributed to the 1976 earthquake and the Government of Guatemala"s (GOG"s) lengthy contract preparation and approval procedures. Utilizing construction contractors selected by the Ministry of Health, seven regional hospitals were renovated and an eighth is near completion in the Mazatenango, Tiquisate, Coatepeque, Zacapa, Chiquimula, Melchor de Mencos, Jutiapa, and Huehuetenango regions. In addition, a training center in Quirigua was renovated and expanded and construction of the Jutiapa Nursing School will be completed pending installation of windows and doors. Half of the last major equipment procurement for rural hospitals, 100 health posts, the Training Center, and the Nursing School was obtained; the remaining equipment is being shipped and will be funded by GOG. A health sector planning unit was staffed by eight technicians and the funding for their salaries was assumed by GOG in 12/79. Designs for radio communications networks were completed in four departments. Construction of the eighth hospital and the Jutiapa Nursing School remains to be completed.