Bids above funding cap put Steno centre plans in doubt

The future of a planned Steno centre in the Faroe Islands is uncertain after construction bids exceeded its 62 million kroner funding, KVF reports.

The government has told the Novo Nordisk Foundation that a plan to build the centre on top of the C building at the National Hospital has been dropped. The government and the foundation had agreed that the foundation would provide 62 million kroner and that the government would build the centre. They had also agreed on what to do if it could not be built within that budget, but it is not yet clear what happens next or who would cover any additional cost.

Health Minister Eyðdis Hartmann Niclasen said the government has not committed to building the centre regardless of the cost. The national investment budget is limited, and paying more than planned could delay other investment projects, possibly including projects in the health service.

Niclasen also said the centre could not be located at Klaksvík Hospital or Suðuroy Hospital, given the need for specialist services for people with diabetes, particularly treatment by specialist doctors.