Local News

NDC: Working for the development, modernization of health system

St. George’s, October 4, 2011 – Long before taking office, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) consistently lamented the neglected state of the country’s health services and health infrastructure.

The party observed with dismay, the seeming lack of interest by those responsible in doing anything meaningful about the health system.

The NDC gave the commitment that when it formed the Government of Grenada, the development of the health sector and modernization of health services, would occupy a prominent place on its list of priorities; and, so far, it has.   

Government, through the Ministry of Health, was not going to be overwhelmed; it threw itself into the task of transforming the health sector in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The NDC administration was aware that for its plans for development to become reality, it needed human resources with the necessary training and preparation to carry out the various tasks.

It, therefore, gave strong focus to continued education and training for health practitioners in the areas of:

  • oncology nursing,
  • dialysis care,
  • port health,
  • drinking and recreational water monitoring and analysis
  • integrated vector control
  • diabetes care and management
  • neonatal resuscitation and care
  • health disaster management
  • post basic midwifery

The Ministry of Health, under an NDC Government, took other action toward upgrading health services. Among the things government did were:

  • implemented a comprehensive Medical Assistance Programme managed by a social worker through which over 600 persons have received medical assistance so far
  • expanded the orthopedic  services at the General Hospital to include knee and hip replacement
  • free anti-retroviral medication for all persons infected with HIV/AIDS
  • zero mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS
  • implemented a National School Dental Health Programme in collaboration with New York University School of Dentistry. More than 22,000 children and more than 100 adults have benefitted
  • upgraded the Grand Anse Medical Station to a fully functional Health Centre (in progress).

In health – as in every other aspects of national development – this government understands the importance of partnerships with other agencies and friendly countries.

This will provide support where we lack the necessary resources, as well as the technical expertise to maximize the level of service to the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

In this regard the Ministry of Health has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with St. George’s University; Dalhousie University in Canada; Mt. Sinai Hospital; the American Heart Foundation; New York University School of Dentistry; World Pediatric Project; Grenada Cancer Society; Grenada Sickle Cell Association; the Diabetes Association; and various private sector groups and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

As far as infrastructure is concerned, lots of works have been done and are ongoing.

  • Government has undertaken the installation of dental equipment at various health centres, medical stations and Her Majesty’s Prison.
  • Refurbishment of the Snug Corner Medical Station
  • Refurbishment of Union Medical Station in St. Mark and Hermitage Medical Station in St. Patrick
  • Refurbishment of X-Ray Department
  • Construction of disabled ramp access to General Hospital
  • Furnishing and equipping Tivoli and Paraclete Medical Stations.

The work continues. As the local saying goes, “there is no time to lapse.’’ Many other projects designed to improve the level of health services to the Grenadian people are in progress. These include:

  • Introduction of the Health Management Information system
  • Human Resources Management Audit
  • Introduction of National Health Insurance
  • Construction of a Teaching Hospital
  • Establishment of a Clinical Teaching Programme
  • Establishment of Patient Relation Department
  • Expansion of operating time for the District Medical Officer’s clinic in three parishes
  • Piloting of the Men’s Health Clinic
  • Diagnostic Clinical Services at the Princess Alice Hospital
  • Provision of diagnostic services at Carriacou and Petite Martinique, in collaboration with Carriacou Health Services
  • Construction of Gouyave Health Centre
  •  Infrastructural upgrade at the General Hospital

As government proceeds with the development and modernization of the nation’s health system, the Ministry of Health has established as priorities: the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of chronic, non-communicable diseases; prevention and management of communicable diseases; comprehensive health disaster management; treatment of mental health and substance abuse; control and treatment of obesity with nutrition and physical activity; promotion of healthy lifestyle among the population; and environmental protection and sustainable development.

The NDC Government has committed itself to the welfare of Grenadians. And the area of health is as important as any other.

As a people, though, we must also commit ourselves to taking care of what is ours.

We must make sure we do nothing to harm or damage our physical health facilities, or abuse the services available to us.

Let us utilize them prudently and work toward their preservation and continued improvement. After all, Grenada is ours now! But we are also just holding it in safe keeping for our children and future generations of Grenadians.

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