Taipei, Taiwan — Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, today started off a series of high-level engagements in the Republic of China (Taiwan) with an official visit to the Taipei Veterans General Hospital, one of Taiwan’s most advanced medical institutions and a global leader in clinical care, research, and health innovation.
As St. Kitts and Nevis moves ahead with its own historic undertaking, the construction of a modern, climate-smart J.N. France General Hospital, Prime Minister Drew, who also serves as Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of learning from global best practices and deepening cooperation with long-standing partners such as Taiwan.
Prime Minister Drew was accompanied by H.E. Leon Natta-Nelson, Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to Taiwan and lead coordinator of the new hospital project; senior officials; and members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy in Taipei. During the visit, the delegation toured several wards and departments, observing first-hand the advanced technologies, integrated systems, and patient-centred models of care deployed throughout the hospital.
Prime Minister Drew noted that the visit comes at a critical moment as the Federation accelerates efforts to build a resilient, Category-5-ready national hospital capable of withstanding the growing threats of climate change. “We are now in the stages of building the first phase of a new hospital, one that can withstand a Category 5 hurricane,” he shared. “With storms becoming more frequent and severe in the Caribbean, we must ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with this new reality.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the longstanding and highly effective cooperation between the health sectors of St. Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan, particularly in chronic disease management, renal care, and mental health support following the global COVID-19 pandemic. “Taiwan’s medical experts have had a tremendous impact across our country,” Prime Minister Drew said. “They helped us categorize our patients and better understand the scourge of chronic non-communicable diseases. In mental health, especially after COVID-19, Taiwan’s support has been invaluable as we continue to rebuild and strengthen that area of our healthcare system.”
He further emphasized the importance of expanding technological collaboration, following recent conferences and engagements that aim to link medical teams in St. Kitts and Nevis with specialists in Taiwan through digital platforms and telemedicine opportunities.
The Prime Minister’s state visit to Taiwan continues with a series of additional engagements, including high-level meetings, sister-city signings, and technical exchanges focused on national development.