The OECS Regional Health Projects’ main aim is to improve the preparedness capacities of health systems for public health emergencies in the OECS region.
It is currently being implemented in four Member States of the OECS, Grenada, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Health Unit leads the OECS Commission in the development and implementation of the coordination mechanisms for health emergency services to strengthen the regional capacity to mobilize first responders and critical health supplies to affected areas during disasters and public health emergences.
Also, due to the shortage of health workers in the region and globally, it is important that this critical human resource be managed efficiently and the ease of movement between countries be facilitated.
At present significant variation exists in the requirements for registration and licenses in the OECS member states.
There is a requirement for a harmonized minimum standard for qualifications and registration to be developed and agreed by Member States.
This harmonized system should allow health professionals to move and practice
within the region with reduced impediment or delays to facilitate normal medical
practice and particularly during emergencies.
This broad stakeholder meeting aims to review the legislative requirements and
review various options for consideration, planning and hopefully consensus for
implementation in the region.
The Saint Lucian team attending the OECS conference include Dr. Sharon Belmar George- Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Natasha Innocent- Chair of the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Council, Mrs. Shereen Chery- Executive Director of the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Council-, Mrs. Juliette Joseph- Registrar Saint Lucia Nursing Council, Mrs. Virgil Paul- Chair of the Pharmacy Council, Ms. Deborah Charles-Deputy Chair Allied Health Council, Mrs. Antonia Charlemagne Crown Council-Attorney General Office.
SOURCE: Ministry of Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs
