Dr. Slater wants first world health for St. Vincent

Vincentians will soon be able to benefit from upgraded health facilities and well-staffed polyclinics.{{more}}

At a press conference on Thursday, September 16, at the Ministry of Health Conference Room, Minister of Health Dr Douglas Slater said that over the years, the ULP Government has invested very heavily in health care and has refurbished several health facilities, including the Clare Valley Health Centre. He said that within a month, the Government will be able to deliver two new health facilities: the Stubbs Polyclinic and the Evesham Health Centre. They are also hoping to establish health centres at Marriaqua and in the Buccament Valley.

The health minister also said that St. Vincent and the Grenadines leads the way in nursing in the Caribbean and he wants this country to be at a first world level in health.

Slater said that the government is also responding to the concerns that citizens have about the “perceived” long wait at the Accident and Emergency Department at the hospital. He said that they know this is one of the most common complaints about healthcare, and he believes that it is due to a lack of understanding by the citizens. Some of the complaints, he said, may be justifiable at times, which is one of the main reasons why the polyclinics are going to be introduced. The polyclinics, he said, will be fully staffed with physicians everyday of the week.

According to Slater, in recognition of the importance of healthcare delivery and the priority that government places in healthcare, the government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines has negotiated with the European Union (EU), that the next special framework of assistance from the EU will be dedicated to the health sector. He said that $37 million will be utilized over the next five years for healthcare. (DC)