The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs is firmly committed to enhancing the health and well-being of all Saint Lucians, according to its Chief medical officer Dr Sharon Belmar-George.
She said that in 2024, the Ministry successfully managed a range of local, regional, and international health programmes and partnerships, leading to tangible improvements in several key health indicators and the implementation of essential infrastructure projects.
“In 2024, we achieved a remarkable reduction in COVID-19 cases, with incidence rates dropping from 30 per 10,000 in 2023 to just 3.4 per 10,000,” Dr. Belmar-George stated.
She added, “New HIV cases decreased by 24% compared to the previous year, and we recorded zero deaths from Dengue Fever, despite experiencing heightened incidence rates in August and October.”
Dr. Belmar-George also underscored the necessity for ongoing public health vigilance, affirming that efforts will continue to address emerging respiratory virus variants. Significant progress has also been made in tackling chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for over 75% of all deaths in Saint Lucia.
“Driven by data trends and insights from the 2019 Behaviour Risk Factor Survey, the Ministry is prioritising strengthening primary healthcare services,” the CMO explained, stating that, “This initiative includes the introduction of free cervical and prostate cancer screenings, which saw substantial uptake in 2024. In 2025, we will expand these services to include free breast cancer screenings and snake bite management for patients.”
Infrastructure development is a fundamental aspect of the Ministry’s strategy. The opening of the first phase of the Dr. Betty Wells Urban Polyclinic at the Dr. Winston C. Parris Medical Complex in 2024 marked a significant milestone. This facility now provides extended medical clinic and urgent care services, operating until midnight, including weekends and holidays.
Dr. Belmar-George highlighted the positive impacts of this development. “By alleviating pressure on the Owen King EU Hospital and boosting healthcare access for Castries residents, we are significantly enhancing our healthcare system’s responsiveness,” she remarked. “Moreover, the establishment of the National Eye Clinic at the polyclinic has broadened access to vital ophthalmic services and diabetic retinopathy care.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the CMO said the Ministry will not waver in its commitment to quality healthcare delivery, with plans for a national mental health framework and improvements to the National Blood Bank.
Additionally, the ministry will prioritise addressing food safety concerns by enhancing the regulation of food establishments and implementing the Food Import Export mandate.
“We will provide regular updates on the progress of the SMART health facilities initiative, which is set to upgrade eight wellness centers in 2025, ensuring improved service delivery and access to healthcare throughout Saint Lucia,” Belmar-George said.