The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition recently officially opened an improved medical unit at the Bordelais Correctional Facility, marking a major step towards strengthening the delivery and access of healthcare services to inmates. The newly improved medical unit is expected to provide inmates with timely routine and urgent medical services within the correctional facility.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George says this initiative represents years of planning and hard work and she expressed gratitude that the opening of the medical unit will ease the burden on public hospitals given that there will be a reduction in the transfer of inmates to outside health facilities. “The strengthening of the medical services is essential to safeguard inmate health and dignity, reduce the security risks associated with transportation outside of the prison, reduce public health risks, support rehabilitation and reintegration and also to align with international human rights and prison healthcare standards.”
Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Anthony Philgence says the opening of the medical unit at the Bordelais Correctional Facility marks an investment in the health and well-being of the inmate population, as well as the healthcare system. “Every person deserves access to timely, safe, appropriate and quality healthcare regardless of their circumstance. The establishment of this unit demonstrates the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition commitment to Universal Health Care and to ensure that healthcare services are truly universal, equitable including healthcare services for the vulnerable and the underserved population.”
Minister for Home Affairs, Crime Prevention and Persons with Disabilities Hon. Jeremiah Norbert commended the team for ensuring this project was a success and encouraged inmates to access the medical services available.
Minister for Health, Wellness and Nutrition Hon. Moses Jn Baptiste celebrated the opening of the improved medical unit and says this demonstrates the commitment of the government to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare for all, including the vulnerable. “This health initiative demonstrates our intentions; we work continuously to support all vulnerable groups including inmates. We ensure that all individuals are taken care of, regardless of social or economic status or stationed in life.”
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Hon. Philip J. Pierre says he is proud of this milestone project and called on inmates to practice personal responsibility and to access the opportunities presented to them.
The newly improved medical unit at the Bordelais Correctional Facility is designed with the layout of a nurses’ station, dental unit, treatment room, asthma unit, and two consultation rooms. The medical unit is equipped to serve the inmate population with essential medical services such as dermatology, gynecology, mental health, sexual and reproductive health and dental among others.