HON. MOSES JN BAPTISTE TO ENSURE THAT SAINT LUCIANS HAVE AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE.
Newly appointed Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste, has reported that he had an insightful first day on the job. The Minister held discussions with various key personnel within the Ministry in an effort to garner information on its operations.
Hon. Jn. Baptiste noted that while it may seem daunting, he is very excited about the journey ahead. “I had discussions, the usual discussions, the usual discussions with the permanent secretary, very pleasant and he gave me an insight into the vastness of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs and we discussed the structure of the Ministry and the key actors in the Ministry. So very exciting and I look forward to the challenge. A very challenging pursuit but clearly very important to our government as healthcare and this emerging health crisis, this health crisis is the number one priority of our Government.”
Highlighting the increase in the number of COVID19 cases, Hon Jn Baptiste explained that several consultation meetings have been held with the Chief Medical Officer. Efforts will be channeled towards getting a handle on Saint Lucia’s COVID19 situation with the CMO’s guidance. Discussions were also held with other stakeholders within the Ministry. “I also held discussions with the team at the Victoria Respiratory Hospital and again pretty insightful in terms of their operations and their challenges and we discussed ways in which we can make things much better for them at the Victoria Respiratory Hospital. I held discussions with Dr. Francois at St. Jude and again we discussed their challenges and so on. Other staff members we’ve been exchanging pleasantries and I’m trying to learn my way around while at the same time dealing head on with the challenges of the COVID19 pandemic, you know we have had an increase in the number of cases and we have been dealing with that. We are just having a discussion with Dr. Sharon Belmar George and her team to see what challenges lay ahead and how as a Government we can unclog some of the choked pipes to ensure that we achieve our objectives.”
Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Minister, Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste disclosed his personal goals to be achieved during his tenure. These include; ensuring Saint Lucians have equitable and more affordable access to healthcare services. “I want to be able to say that I was able to galvanize our team, I was able to motivate our team not only in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs but all across Saint Lucia where you have individuals and organizations who are connected to the healthcare system, I was able to motivate them and galvanize them into action, so that the clients our people of Saint Lucia can get better healthcare and I am sure this will happen. I want to be able to say that we were able to complete our facilities and to make them available to our people. Of course St. Jude Hospital being the number one healthcare facility. So all in all I want to be able to say that, our people at the end of 4 years and 11 months to come, I am sure I’ll be able to say that our people have access to healthcare and they are able to access healthcare which is much more affordable and people can have confidence a lot more confidence in our healthcare system.”
Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste reported for his first day on the job on Monday 9th August, 2021 after being sworn in on Thursday 5th August 2021.
