Saint Lucia outlines steps toward implementation of UHC

Saint Lucia continues its work to ensure that Universal Health Coverage UHC is implemented in the population.

Saint Lucia outlines steps toward implementation of UHC
Saint Lucia outlines steps toward implementation of UHC

Castries, Saint Lucia: Saint Lucia continues its work to ensure that Universal Health Coverage UHC is implemented in the population. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs remains committed to the process of the implementation of Universal Health Coverage UHC in Saint Lucia.

A coordinated approach towards the implementation of UHC is demonstrated following the recent announcement of the establishment of a UHC unit spearheaded by a newly appointed Director, Dr. Alisha Eugene-Ford.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Jenny Daniel reiterated the focus and benefits of Universal Health Coverage UHC for the people of Saint Lucia.

“Universal Health Coverage speaks to accessibility of care, quality of health services and equality in the delivery of these health services with a focus on preventative health care. The attainment of Universal Health Coverage, however must be preceded by the strengthening of our health service delivery systems through infrastructural development, establishment of quality assurance standards and licensing of institutions, provision and upgrading of biomedical equipment, strengthening of databases for patient health information and development of human resource capacity for health.”

Dr. Alisha Eugene-Ford says the roll-out of UHC will be achieved through phases and in the coming weeks, a series of activities will be undertaken to ensure this is a success.

“UHC will be done in phases. We going to start in small phases but we assure is that every single phase we want it to be better than what is existing. We looking forward to doing UHC in small phases and to ensure we give the public the services that they need. We want all of Saint Lucia to be on board and to be a part of this because we know at the end of it, we are not the only ones benefitting but the whole of Saint Lucia will benefit from Universal Health Coverage.”

Minister for Health Moses Jn Baptiste reaffirmed his government’s commitment to implement Universal Health Coverage and ensure that every individual receive health services needed without suffering financial hardships.

“The implementation of Universal Health Coverage while not a new dream, we are hoping as a government that we can take the concrete steps to make Universal Health Coverage a reality in the future. We know that the implementation of Universal Health Coverage is challenging and difficult. We know that the planning must be thorough. Our commitment must be intense. The financing of it must be assured.”

At present, the Ministry of Health continues to undertake a series of workshops aimed at ensuring the development of the “white paper” which will serve as the Universal for Universal Health Coverage in Saint Lucia.