On Thursday 1st June, 2023 the Government of Saint Lucia officially launched Maternal and Child Health services with a ceremony held at the Constitution Park in Castries.
Effective Thursday, June 1st, 2023, access to primary health care for expected mothers will be at no additional cost from seventeen local medical facilities.
On Thursday afternoon, Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre expressed the importance of the program and the effect it will have on society.
“Today we launched this transformational programme, Maternal and Child Health Services – Universal Health Care, expanded to include laboratory and ultrasound services.
The importance of maternal and child health care cannot be overstated. The health of our mothers and children is directly linked to the health and well-being of our society as a whole. Healthy mothers and children are more likely to lead productive lives, contribute to the economy, and build stronger communities. On the other hand, unhealthy mothers and children are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, miss out on educational opportunities, and struggle to make ends meet.
Access to these services will be island-wide. To date, 17 wellness centres have been identified to provide maternal and child health services which will then refer clients to approved businesses for laboratory and ultrasound services.” the minister shared.
This serves as phase one of the Universal Health Coverage program.
In addition from Saturday 1st, July, 2023 Elders above the age of 80 years old once registered will receive health care at no cost.
Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre says the elders need to be taken care of as most of them seek basic health care pertaining to sight, hearing, blood pressure, etc and the program serves to take care of those needs.
He says once registered elders eighty years and older will have all healthcare made available to them at no added cost at all local government medical facilities effective July 1st, 2023.
Photo: Government Of Saint Lucia
