By Special contributor
RODNEY BAY, St Lucia – June 19, 2023, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and by extension the Government of St Lucia (GOSL) announced that “ the cabinet of minister [has] approved the establishment of the golden 80 plus health package, beginning July 1, 2023, ALL CITIZENS 80 YEARS AND OLDER, can access medication, hearing services and eye care services at our community wellness centres at no cost.”
The below provides two citations to unbundle the simple truth, communication distortions to the unsuspecting, and the prevalence of perpetuation.
The ‘Golden 80 plus health package’ as defined is far from the reality at any of the islands’ health institutions. The so-called programme is likewise a complete distortion in the lexicon of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) banded about in Saint Lucia. It is well documented that everyone is required to pay for available services at all medical facilities on the island. In most cases, the isolated wellness centers are non-supportive of the desired basic outpatient care and/or the availability of medication and equipment.
The option for basic medication is better accessible at the supermarket, available pharmacies and private medical clinics. These standalone outposts serve as the benefactors for prescription availability, and medical services. In the absence of these, “the bearer of last resort” is bush medicine and the final rites across the bridge, ‘where there is no more sorrow.’
The formality of the MOH’s clear and precise statement advised in its June 19, 2023, press release:
“Those free services are available upon submission of any form of national identification. The benefit package includes the following:
- The provision of prescription drugs at the Community Wellness Centres at no cost;
- Access to one annual hearing test at the Community Wellness Centres offering the services;
- Eye care services at our community wellness centres;
- “Access to eye screening and surgery at the Cuban Eye Clinic located at the Old Victoria Hospital Plant.”
The first citation of the above is the recognition that all these services were already free to all Saint Lucians.
The MOH, however, cited that “care for the elderly is of particular importance to the GOSL” and further expressed that “older people are defined as individuals who have attained the age of 65 years and older,” the MOH press release continued. “This policy will address key issues which have impacted the elderly population, and will provide guidance in the development of a structured programme for the elderly in Saint Lucia.”
The authentication from the GOSL specified:
“The government of Saint Lucia is aware of the importance of providing healthcare support for all older people, 65 years or older. However, this year’s programme will allow us to evaluate the structure of our initiative, assess its effectiveness and refine a proper model for the delivery of services to more people during the coming years. This is just a start, and I look forward to the benefits of these services from July 1, 2023,” said the minister for health, wellness and elderly affairs, Moses Jn. Baptiste.
In a published report, Moses Jn Baptiste clarifies details of Golden 80 Plus Initiative, March 8, 2024, opined that:
“The initiative, implemented by the MOH in 2023, aims to provide prescription drugs to senior citizens at community wellness centre pharmacies free of charge. However, Jn Baptiste clarified that the program also includes doctor visits and medical attention from wellness centers across the island.”
“Jn Baptiste acknowledged that while the initial announcement mentioned the inclusion of hospitals in the program, further work is needed to ensure its successful implementation, particularly in securing the necessary financial support.
“Before we can extend the service to the hospitals, we must ensure that we have all the financials in relation to the visits of the 80+ individuals at the hospitals,” Jn Baptiste stated. He emphasized the need for adequate budget allocations to accommodate potential medical interventions such as cancer treatment, surgeries, and other major medical procedures.
“Jn Baptiste pointed out that records indicate individuals aged 80 years and over have paid for certain pharmaceuticals and services at health and wellness centers, amounting to $1.6 million annually. He assured that efforts are being made to address availability issues with medication at wellness facilities, attributing some concerns to supply chain challenges.
“While emphasizing the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Jn Baptiste acknowledged the challenges of achieving it simultaneously for everyone.”
Delivering the 2023/24 budget address on March 23, 2024, prime minister and minister for finance, affirmed:
“In our 2021 manifesto, the Saint Lucia Labour Party pledged to pursue a health policy that is patient-centred, evidence-based, equitable, accessible and affordable. The centrepiece of that policy was a Universal Health Care programme, (UHC. I am pleased to announce that the implementation of this programme is well on the way.
“We have launched the maternal and child care aspect, the 80-plus-health coverage, and this year, we will incorporate cervical and prostate screening, chronic kidney disease screening and snake bite management as part of the essential package of health services.
“These services will be provided free to all registered individuals in our health management system. Free medicines for diabetics and hypertensive patients will also be available under the programme. It is the intention of the government that all citizens will possess a health card to access health care services.”
Conversely, in an unusual departure from acceptable norms, communication officer Rehani Isidore, in the office of the prime minister, called the midday talk show NEWSSPIN, recently, to interpret and/or rearrange the unawareness of many that the Golden 80 Plus Health package “ is only accessible in community wellness centres at no cost.”
For months now, Saint Lucians have been complaining publically that nationals 80-plus have been subjected to pay upfront for medical services and in the case of death, and before a death certificate can be issued, are obligated to pay for services rendered at the islands’ various community wellness centres and hospitals.
The second citation is the recognition that follows the simple principle to tell Saint Lucians the truth – in the clarity of mind, not distorted by the science of fiction.
The underlying conviction is such that the underbelly of communication misrepresentation and policy malpractice has exposed the infectious malady of raw politics. The matter of UHC and Golden 80 Plus Health package requires remedial reformulation. Inclusive of the debacle in the undertone, that continues in public service announcements and media advertisements.
This unscrambling should bring light to processes, procedures, policy formulation and selective political announcements that have no place in health care.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) – as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) means:
“ That all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care.
“To deliver on this promise, countries need to have strong, efficient and equitable health systems that are rooted in the communities they serve. Primary health care (PHC) is the most effective and cost-efficient way to get there.
“Every country has a different path to achieving UHC and to decide what to cover based on the needs of their populations and the resources at hand. Investing in PHC ensures that all those needs are identified, prioritized and addressed in an integrated way; that there is a robust and equipped health and care workforce; and that all sectors of society contribute to confronting the environmental and socio-economic factors that affect health and well-being, including preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies.”
Meanwhile, the OPM on November 12, 2024, advised that the department of housing and local government:
“Will receive $1.5 million to address the existing shortage of burial space in the north of the island. Approximately 40 acres of land at Deglos, Castries, has been vested to the Castries Constituencies Council (CCC) to construct the new National Northern Cemetery.
“Upon completion, the National Northern Cemetery will have the capacity for up to 800 tombs. It will accommodate the increasing demand for burial space in the north of the island.”
