Government moves towards universal healthcare

Hon. Marcella Liburd

St. Kitts, March 14, 2010 (SKNIS): Residents and visitors of St. Kitts and Nevis have enjoyed quality health care from the facilities provided on the islands and His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, said ongoing efforts will “progressively” upgrade the services.

During his Throne Speech on Wednesday, the Governor General said “We intend to continue doing so with the addition of more advanced treatment capabilities such as haemodialysis, and modern diagnostic tools including MRI facilities.”

Noting, that healthcare is extremely important the Head of State revealed that a National Health Insurance Scheme is being proposed for all citizens. During an interview with SKNIS, Minister of Health, Honourable Marcella Liburd, supported his comments giving some insight into the new initiative.

The strategy will focus primarily on the adage “prevention is better cure.” Specific efforts will be placed on getting men to access health services on a regular basis which would

Minister Liburd revealed that consultants and other array of stakeholders are currently working on the practical health plan and when their assessment is complete and it has gone through the relevant reviews, public consultations will be held.