Health and Wellness Minister Moses “Musa” Jn. Baptiste provided reporters with an update on the health services implemented by the government during its three-year term, including priority rehabilitation works, the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and the conversion of the Respiratory Hospital.
The minister also mentioned the launch of the Maternal and Child Care programme, training in medical care services, and strengthening of the 80+ Golden Programme, which offers benefits and services to older Saint Lucians.
JnBaptiste also cited challenges with the Saint Lucia Moves programmes, and efforts to improve services at Accident & Emergency departments.
Plans for the Cervical and Prostate Cancer Screening programme and the transformation of the Gros Islet Polyclinic into a 24/7 facility were also noted.
He said focus has been placed on rehabilitation works at the St Jude Hospital site, which is at an advanced stage of development and pronouncements will be made shortly, as to the status of works at the complex.
“During these three years, we also saw the conversion of the Respiratory Hospital (located at the former Victoria Hospital) into a Secondary Care Hospital at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex,” he stated.
The minister spoke about services provided by the Cuban Eye Care Clinic, and plans to transform the former Castries Wellness Centre into the Castries Urban Polyclinic.
He added that the Maternal and Child Care programme was launched, where thousands of pregnant ladies received health care at no costs, which included blood tests, maternal care and ultra sound treatment.
“We know that these programmes have challenges in (its) implementation and this year we are strengthening the programme to ensure that pharmaceuticals, in particular, are available to the individuals who benefit from this programme,” said Jn Baptiste.
Regarding the Saint Lucia Moves programme the minister noted that there had been some activity, however, he noted that “the major challenge in Saint Lucia, is the burden of the diseases (being experienced), with an increase in rate in which Saint Lucians are falling ill because of an increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).”
“One of the main challenges with the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department, at both the St Jude Hospital and the Millennium Heights Medical Complex – Owen King EU Hospital (is that) …Saint Lucians, and others who access services at the hospitals, have to wait lengthy hours for service.”
Jn Baptiste said the health department has held several discussions with the management personnel of these health institutions “to ameliorate the situation.” He reported that, last week, Cabinet met with the Director of the Owen King EU Hospital, chairpersons and other heads of department at the St Jude Hospital “to see how best the government can advance plans to cause there to be better services …and faster and more efficient services at the A&E departments.”
Subsequently, he said, in an effort to dealt with the matter, more beds or bed space were made available to these institutions to improve the services provided.
The minister further disclosed that shortly, the Cervical and Prostate Cancer Screening programme that will be part of the UHC initiative “where ladies will receive additional services in cervical cancer treatment and also …additional prostate cancer diagnosis will be launched.” He said these services will be provided free of costs to all Saint Lucians who access these health care programmes.
Referring to the Gros Islet Polyclinic, he said, the health department is working assiduously to transform the institution into a 24/7 facility, “with the addition of staff and other resources remain open for 24 hours,” to accommodate national events and the likes. The minister adds there are plans to implement the 24-hour service concept across other health facilities on island.
Jn Baptiste feels this will “significantly decrease the pressures” exerted by clients visiting these health institutions.