SVG secures EC$42m for modernisation of Health Sector

The Health Sector of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is well on the path to modernization, having received an injection of some EC$42 million.{{more}}

The Government of SVG, after years of negotiations with the European Union, has secured the financing from the EU, which will go towards the modernization of the local health sector.

On Thursday, July 14, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment Cecil McKie and Ambassador Valeriano Diaz, Head of the European Union delegation, signed the grant financing agreement for the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).

This morning’s signing opens the way for the implementation of the Health Sector Project, which will be implemented over a four-year period. The project has three main areas of focus. These include Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases Management, where specified resources will go towards the prevention and management of these diseases, the finalization of the National Wellness Policy and the implementation of a Wellness Promotion Strategy.

Health Services Delivery Management, the second area of focus, will see the construction of two Polyclinics in Buccament and Mesopotamia. Additionally, five Staff Quarters will be constructed at Union Island, Sandy Bay, Canouan, Mesopotamia and Chateaubelair, while rehabilitative work is expected to be carried out at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and the Mental Health Centre.

Moreover, specialized training for Nurses, Environmental Health Officers and other personnel in priority areas will be provided under Human Resource Development, which is the third area of focus.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, McKie said that securing the grant financing from the EU for the modernization of the Health Sector is a milestone reached. McKie added that “the alleviation of poverty and social development are major goals of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, of which the provision of quality health care to all is an important component.”

McKie said that, with support from the 10th EDF, the Government also plans to improve the quality and delivery of Primary and Secondary Health Care Services, as pivotal points around which to structure the Ministry of Health’s response to a number of health challenges.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Diaz said that the EU is convinced of the relevance and importance of this programme to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Diaz said that he looks forward to the continued collaboration in the development of this country’s health sector for the benefit of Vincentians. The Ambassador also wished the Ministry of Health an effective and efficient implementation of the modernization of the Health Sector project.