Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre has vowed to revolutionize healthcare financing in St. Lucia. He labeled it a historic move that has never been attempted before.
This pledge follows a $15 million government injection into the Owen King EU (OKEU) Hospital, marking the first step in the broader overhaul of the healthcare system. Despite this, Pierre acknowledged that ongoing challenges persist.
Budget Allocations
In the 2024 budget, $62.5 million was allocated to OKEU Hospital, and $167 million went to the Ministry of Health. Pierre stressed that strategic financial planning remains crucial for the hospital’s sustainability. “Right now, OKEU’s creditworthiness is zero because they owe too many people,” he said.
Strategic Funding Plan
The Prime Minister, also serving as Finance Minister, detailed that $11 million from excess Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) funds will be used to settle hospital debts, while $4.5 million from the treasury will provide working capital.
Pierre hinted at a larger announcement soon, signaling more transformative changes to come in healthcare.
St. Jude Hospital Update
Meanwhile, government officials will meet with Saudi Fund for Development officers on September 12 to finalize contracts to complete the long-delayed St. Jude Hospital, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to healthcare improvement.
Source/Photo credit: Loop St. Lucia
