The Government of Saint Lucia has approved a set of benefits for physicians serving within the public health system, following a submission from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs to the Cabinet of Ministers. This decision follows Cabinet Conclusion No. 1067 of 2025, dated November 3, 2025.
Cabinet granted approval for the payment of an honorarium to fourteen (14) District Medical Officers and two (2) Senior Medical Officers who were employed on internal contracts with the Ministry during the period in which retroactive payments to public officers were issued for the 2022–2025 triennium. This measure ensures parity and acknowledges the service provided by these medical professionals throughout that period.
In addition, Cabinet approved a fixed import duty and excise tax credit of EC$10,000 to assist eligible physicians with the importation or local purchase of a motor vehicle. To qualify, the physician must hold a valid practising licence issued by the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Council and be employed within the public health system. All transactions related to this benefit must be completed on or before March 31, 2026.
These approvals underscore the Government of Saint Lucia’s commitment to recognising the contributions of public sector doctors and reinforcing the support systems that sustain the national health service.
In related news, more than 3,000 Government pensioners will receive an additional EC$600 with their November 2025 pension payment, fulfilling the commitment made by Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre in the 2025/2026 Budget Address.
This upcoming payment is, according the Office of the Prime Minister, part of the Government’s sustained effort to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living and restore dignity in retirement, an approach reflected in several policy decisions taken since 2022.
Previously, Government Pensioners received a one-time EC$500 direct payment in July of 2022 followed by a one-time relief disbursement in November of 2023 and a further increase to EC$725 in August of 2024.
NIC Pensioners also benefited. In August, 2024, The NIC minimum monthly pension was increased from EC$300 to EC$500, which was expected to strengthen the safety net for the most vulnerable retirees. In July of 2025, NIC pensioners reportedly received a 3.9% increase in their monthly pension payments.