Government of Saint Lucia

Statements by Hon. Minister for Health Moses Jn. Baptiste; the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George; and Medical Director of the Respiratory Hospital Dr. Alisha Eugene-Ford.

SAINT LUCIA WORKS TO END TOBACCO DEPENDENCE: The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat in the Ministry of Health have been undertaking a series of workshops aimed at equipping individuals in the health and social care sectors with the necessary guidelines to assist tobacco users to quit.

Deputy Coordinator of the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat Joanna Joseph-Henry spoke on the need to ensure tobacco control and tobacco dependence treatment as Saint Lucia implements smoke free spaces.

Read more: http://www.govt.lc/news/substance-abuse-council-provides-tobacco-cessation-training

The Ministry of Health has noted unfavourable outcome in persons of varying age groups and health profiles. Some vaccinated, whilst the significant majority were not.

From the February 2021, when vaccines were introduced, until current, statistics show that: Unvaccinated persons account for 96.6% of hospitalizations; Partially vaccinated persons account for 2% of hospitalizations; Fully vaccinated persons account for 1.4% of hospitalizations; Unvaccinated persons account for 96.7% of deaths; Partially vaccinated persons account for 2% of deaths; Vaccinated persons account for 1.3% of deaths.

Address by Tecla Jn Baptiste, National Immunization Manager

Government Notebook (Sep. 21, 2021)

Saint Lucia's Prime Minister rallies the hemisphere to combat COVID-19; and police officers to receive training in the detection of firearms trafficking.

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Government Notebook (Sep. 20, 2021)

The Minister for Home Affairs tours the Bordelais Correctional Facility; and a new climate change investment programme for Saint Lucia is underway.

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The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs has been responding to the surge in COVID-19 cases associated with the fourth wave which commenced on July 25, 2021. Though routine services continue to be delivered, the current COVID-19 situation has placed severe pressure on the already limited staff complement. Additionally, facilities have been severely impacted given that some staff members have periodically been placed in quarantine or isolation.

In response to this situation and to improve efficiency in the delivery of care, the Ministry of Health shall temporarily close some Community Wellness Centers. This scale-down will be for a period of two weeks, in the first instance commencing Monday September 20, 2021 and at the end of the period an assessment will be done to determine the need for its continuity.

For details: http://www.govt.lc/news/restructuring-of-community-health-services

The Ministry of Health recently received an ISO tank of liquid oxygen from Martinique to assist with the surging demand for oxygen at the Respiratory Hospital.

The oxygen procured will be used to treat COVID-19 patients at the Respiratory Hospital. Medical Director at the Respiratory Hospital Dr. Alisha Eugene-Ford says she is elated about the boost in oxygen supply given the greater demand for oxygen at the hospital.

Government Notebook (Sep. 17, 2021)

Saint Lucia mourns the passing of a Cultural Icon; and the Respiratory Hospital receives oxygen.

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Government Notebook (Sep. 16, 2021)

Government provides tangible support in the national fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; and Cultural Icon, Patrick Jules passes days after displaying his passion for Saint Lucia’s heritage.

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As part of efforts to aid in Saint Lucia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of France recently officially handed over a nano portable x-ray machine to the Government of Saint Lucia.

The nano portable x-ray machine is expected to assist the staff at the Respiratory Hospital in providing care for patients infected with the COVID-19 virus.

For details, visit: http://www.govt.lc/news/government-of-france-donates-x-ray-machine