OECS Ministers of Health Collaborate to Address Healthcare Challenges

The recently concluded Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Ministers of Health meeting addressed the pressing healthcare issues faced by member states, according to Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley.

The Ninth Council of Ministers: Health Meeting, which took place concurrently with the 36th OECS/Pooled Procurement Services (PPS) Policy Board Meeting, was chaired by Honourable Wheatley.

Migration of healthcare practitioners from OECS countries emerged as a key topic during the sessions. Honourable Wheatley acknowledged that the Virgin Islands has benefited from this migration and emphasized the importance of finding ways to share the expertise of healthcare professionals among member states. He stated, “The question is now, how do we keep persons in the region so it would not be like St. Vincent and the Grenadines or St. Lucia is losing persons but instead they are sharing their expertise with somebody. That was one of the salient points we took away from the conference.”

Minister Wheatley also highlighted the need for deeper collaboration among states and the sharing of best practices. He expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained from other countries on tackling healthcare challenges, with the ultimate goal of improving healthcare for all citizens.

Echoing Honourable Wheatley’s sentiments, Director General of the OECS, His Excellency Dr. Didacus Jules, emphasized the importance of collaboration in serving the people and enhancing healthcare. Dr. Jules noted that discussions at the meetings focused on pooling the procurement of medicine and medical supplies in the OECS to reduce costs. The OECS aims to transition to a position where all requirements are pooled, ensuring cost-effective delivery of necessary resources to governments.

Minister for Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs in St. Lucia, Honourable Moses Jean Baptiste, described the meetings as fruitful, allowing countries to share their experiences and benefit from each other’s insights. He emphasized the frank and upfront discussions that took place, with a focus on identifying issues and developing action plans for the future.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development hosted the ministers and healthcare delegates from across the OECS from October 9th to 12th to discuss strategies for achieving affordable healthcare in the region. The meetings were held under the theme “Improving Lives through Preventive Healthcare: An Evidence-Based Approach.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to fostering partnerships and relationships that enhance the health and social well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands.