AFTER months of strategic planning, discussion and sensitization, the Government of Saint Lucia launched Phase 1 of Universal Health Coverage-Maternal and Child Health. The event was spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs on Thursday, June 1st at Constitution Park in Castries. Delivering the welcome remarks was Director of Universal Health Coverage, Dr. Alisha Eugene-Ford.
The services available to pregnant women vary from Prenatal and post-natal care, to Pediatric Specialist Care. According to officials, complications are experienced within a small number of pregnancies. And whilst that may be the case, the services being rendered through UHC phase 1 still play a major role.
Head of the Obstetrics and Genecology Department at the OKEU Hospital, – Dr. Lucila Charles said, a wide cross section of women still cannot afford these necessary services.
Chief Medical Officer – Sharon Belmar-George noted some grim statistics in relation to birth rates on the island.
Data dating back to 2014 showed poor maternal and new born outcomes.
The Ministry of Health would move on to request an audit, which would result in the implementation of a number of recommendations and better results by the year 2020.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Ms. Jenny Daniel said the launch serves as part of major reforms being made with the island’s health sector.
Minister for Health – Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste considered the implementation of UHC a national priority and a dream come true for St. Lucia.