Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has been highlighting his administration’s achievements in making health care both accessible and affordable for all.
In this regard, he has pointed to the upgrade of 17 health centres into SMART facilities.
Writing on his official Facebook page, the PM said La Fargue, Delcer, Vieux Fort, Desruisseaux, Mon Repos, Belle Vue and Bexon are among the centres.
“We have transitioned Victoria Hospital into a dedicated Respiratory Hospital. Previous Governments had planned to close down VH upon the opening of OKEU,” Chastanet added.
He also said the government had extended operating Hours at the Gros Islet Polyclinic by 8 additional hours, built new Wellness Centres in Micoud and Anse la Raye and commenced the process to resume construction on the new Dennery Polyclinic.
“We have employed more doctors and nurses. We have commenced the process of introducing National Health Insurance which will ensure that all Saint Lucians can access healthcare and medicine. The process is in the final stages,” Chastanet stated.
He also listed partnering with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to provide over 1000 Saint Lucians with free hearing aids and working with Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to introduce a Bachelors in Nursing Programme to create more avenues for citizens to become nurses, as well as continuing to provide free COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccinations to all citizens.
“We increased the Public Assistance Budget from $800,000 to $4 Million especially for persons who needed medical assistance. We waived outstanding hospital bills to the tune of $12 Million EC,” he explained.
And among the other initiatives he mentioned was building a State of the Art St Jude Hospital for the people of the South, with work in the final stage.
“We have done quite a bit but there is still a lot more to be done. Our Government will not rest until we accomplish this mission,” Chastanet stated.
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