Health of citizens on the front burner of government's agenda
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Health of citizens on the front burner of government's agenda |
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Contact: Kerwin Xavier
Wednesday 20 April 2011 – Saint Lucians can expect continued health care in the financial year 2011/2012. Under the theme for the Estimate of Revenue and Expenditure “Health Care for All” presented to the nation earlier this week, Prime Minister Hon. Stephenson King announced government's commitment to providing improved health standards and increased health access to all Saint Lucians.
“While we accept the reality that we cannot afford to meet the health needs of all our citizens, we have designed a package that is affordable. In this regard, we will undertake the Universal Health Coverage Strategy to the next level by ensuring universal health access to an essential package of quality services. “Alongside the financing component, the Ministry of Health will be mandated to renew efforts towards the establishment of a quality management system, roll out a national health insurance system and facilitate appropriate training and staffing. The third component is to continue with the establishment and upgrade of healthcare facilities.”
According to Prime Minister King, in addition to the present ongoing reconstruction of the Saint Jude's Hospital, five other health facilities have been identified for upgrade to polyclinics.
The Gros Islet, Dennery and Soufriere's transformation will include an Accident and Emergency department and a maternity unit along with diagnostic services. The facilitates in Vieux-Fort and Castries will be converted to regular polyclinics. |
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