Government Announces Plans for the Health Sector

[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n Wednesday evening Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, along with health and economic affairs ministers Mary Isaac and Guy Joseph, addressed the nation on the health sector—with emphasis on the immediate future of the Owen King-EU and St. Jude Hospitals. The 90-minute televised discussion began with the prime minister revisiting the histories of the two facilities. He said a commissioned study had revealed it would require
$100 million to complete St. Jude. Moreover, equipment worth millions of dollars was purchased by the previous administration, and kept in containers. As time elapsed, so did the warranties on the equipment—which now has to be repurchased. “If anybody cared”, the PM observed, “the equipment could easily have been transferred to health-care centres, Victoria Hospital or the OKEU. Or they could have given it to Tapion Hospital. Even if they sold it or gave it for free. At least it would have gone to the benefit of Saint Lucians. But that didn’t happen.”                                            

Referring directly to the half-completed, controversial St. Jude structure, the prime minister said: “Here is the direction we’re going to go in. We’re going to build a new wing and it’s going to take us approximately 18 months. Once we’ve moved into the new facility, the staff at the George Odlum Stadium will be moved in there.” He stated several sources of funding for this construction project had already been established, including a $10 million dollar loan from the Taiwanese.

As for the circumstances at the makeshift George Odlum Stadium, Guy Joseph said repair works are on-going. The total cost so far stands at $1.5 million. “The major component of the work has to do with taking down the roof of the stadium, which is posing a threat to staff and patients.”

The stadium’s near dysfunctional sewerage, which has been a serious problem for some six years, by the minister’s account, will also be receiving remedial attention.

As for the OKEU hospital, the prime minister declared its operation as a joint venture would be in the best interests of the country. He said the intention was to make the dream of affordable quality healthcare a reality. It must’ve come as a surprise to the PM’s audience when he declared how happy he was “to hear the St. Lucia Medical & Dental Association announce its support for medical insurance”.  The prime minister said plans are still in the works for national insurance, and that the government was in receipt of proposals from insurance companies he did not identify. Moreover, that details will be available by the end of 2018. By the end of 2019, the prime minister promised, “all Saint Lucians should be insured”.   

Earlier concerns had been expressed about the transition of Victoria Hospital personnel to the OKEU. The prime minister sought to put related fears to rest. “No one will lose his or her job,” he said. VH employees will be interviewed for available jobs. Those accepted will be required to retire from the public service, and be paid whatever amounts due. They will then enter into new contracts with the Millennium Heights Complex.               

As for those who may not wish to make this particular transition, the prime minister said it would be the responsibility of the government to find them jobs elsewhere.

For her part, the health minister expressed full support of the statements by the prime minister. She also disclosed that VH will be transformed into a polyclinic.

In closing, the prime minister reminded viewers that required improvements to the island’s healthcare system “cannot happen overnight. There is no magic wand. And there will be some tough decisions that must be made!”