Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says the male and female wards at the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth are expected to be operational by the end of June.

Speaking during a tour of the facility yesterday, he said construction is well advanced with resilience in mind.

He said upgrades are also being done at the operating theatre.

He added that provisions are also being made for a maternity ward.

The Minister said that when works are completed, it is expected that overcrowding at the Mandeville Regional Hospital and other hospitals in neighbouring parishes will be reduced.