- “Due to the number of very sick patients seeking care and the increase in patients requiring admission, the hospital has been grappling with a shortage of beds,” Dr Bernadette Joseph-Labadie.
- “Heavy rains experienced over the last several days have led to increased water levels of our primary water sources, leading to a marginal increase in water production,” said WASCO.
- Cows and Goats storm St Jude Hospital.
- Saint Lucia prepares to host six games of the ICC Cricket World Cup from June 15, 2024.
By Caribbean News Global contributor
VIEUX FORT, St Lucia – Saint Lucian health delegation attended the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva Switzerland, from May 25 -June 01, 2024, included Moses Jn Baptiste, minister for health, wellness and elderly affairs, Jenny Daniel, permanent secretary, Dr Sharon Belmar George, chief medical officer and Kerthney Charlemagne Surage, chief nursing officer; meantime hospitals face bed shortages and heighten health concerns. Moreover, cows stormed St Jude hospital grounds for pasture while goats attempted to keep their appointments with medical staff, but to no avail.
At #WHA 77, minister Baptiste presented the general statement on the theme: “All for Health, Health for All” highlighting the commitment of the government towards the implementation of Universal Health Care, confirming the development of evidence-based, inclusive, equitable, accessible and affordable health services. Chief Medical Officer, Dr George presented on Universal Health Coverage and the prevention and control of Chronic Non-communicable diseases.
On Tuesday, the Millennium Heights Medical Complex highlighted the challenges faced, particularly within the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department. Dr Bernadette Joseph-Labadie, head of the A&E department at Owen King European Union (OKEU) hospital revealed:
“Over the past several months, the A&E Department has seen an increase in patients seeking emergent and urgent care at our hospital,” noting that the department has been handling over 1,700 patients per month, with more than half suffering from non-communicable diseases such as strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart, and kidney disease.
“Due to the number of very sick patients seeking care and the increase in patients requiring admission, the hospital has been grappling with a shortage of beds,” Dr Labadie, further noted that this issue is exacerbated by the rise in motor vehicle accidents and injuries from violent acts such as gunshot wounds and stabbings. This influx of very sick patients and the subsequent increase in hospital admissions have led to a significant bed shortage.
On Thursday, the ministry of health (MOH) reported: “For this year, to date over 700 cases of gastroenteritis have been recorded, a 30 percent increase in the numbers recorded for last year at this time; 5 percent of these cases have been admitted to and treated in hospital.
“Most of the cases have been seeking care at the emergency departments of the OKEU and St Jude hospitals. Elevated numbers of cases have also been recorded in certain health regions with as much as 130 percent increase in documented cases as compared to this time last year.
“Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. It is often characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever,” says MOH.
Cows and Goats storm St Jude hospital
Meanwhile, barely coping, cows stormed St Jude hospital grounds for desperate pasture, in full view of security at the inconvenience of hospital staff, patients and the amusement of onlookers. The grazing cows were undeterred by time and circumstance.
The nearby goats would not be outdone and attempted to keep their appointments with the medical staff. The goats were desperately in search of medical cubicles, but to no avail, were hurriedly re-routed. But not before leaving organic droppings on an ostensively well-kept hospital floor.
St Lucia’s water-related emergency ‘presents several health hazards’, says MOH
The Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in response to the government of Saint Lucia water-related emergency per government Gazette Vol. 193 • Issue 19 • Tuesday, May 21, 2024, citing Statutory Instrument, 2024, No. 76 – further advised: “The current water-related emergency and shortage presents several health hazards that citizens must be vigilant about …” and concurrently “provides guidance to reduce the possible associated health risks, potential impacts, and provide essential safety measures to mitigate adverse effects.”
A statement by WASCO on Thursday advised the public that the Water Related Emergency Declaration Order which was issued on 21 May, in keeping with Statutory Instrument No. 76 of 2024, however, has not been lifted. A community-sharing regimen continues to remain in effect for residents in some sections of the northern south zones.
“Heavy rains experienced over the last several days have led to increased water levels of our primary water sources, leading to a marginal increase in water production,” said WASCO’s subtitle, statement. However, concluding that: “In light of these circumstances, a community sharing regimen continues to remain in effect for residents in some sections of the northern southern zones and will continue until the supply has been sufficiently replenished.”
“As the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season progresses, consumers who are now receiving a more regular supply of water are also strongly urged to practice conservation measures, in order to manage their water supply amid the changing conditions.”
Cricket isn’t just a sport in Saint Lucia; it’s a way of life
“As the host of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup from June 15-24, 2024, this idyllic island is poised to showcase its passion for cricket to the world. Cricket isn’t just a sport in Saint Lucia; it’s a way of life. From the bustling streets to the tranquil beaches, the love for cricket permeates every corner of the island.”
Our “way of life” has often turned “tragedy into triumph”! On this occasion – 4’s and 6’s – are expedient to hurridly provide for Saint Lucia’s shortage of medical beds and supplies, elevated health concerns, water-related emergencies and over 700 cases of gastroenteritis, while grazing browsers (cows and goats), selectively bringing about great utilization of St Jude hospital at the George Odlum National Stadium.
Health and Citizen Security Levy (HCSL)
“The Health and Citizen Security Levy (HCSL) is an investment in our community, our country – our people, says the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) press release on Monday, October 30, 2023.”
As defined in the subtitle ‘investing in our future and wellbeing’ Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, with the support of his cabinet of ministers, “devised HCSL to improve the government’s financial ability to provide quality healthcare services to the public and reinforce Saint Lucia’s national security infrastructure for a safer and more secure country.”
The 2024/25 budget is seemingly insufficient. “It is expected that work on the George Odlum Stadium will commence after completing 80 percent of the construction of the St Jude Hospital, according to the loan agreement.
Understanding the application of the 2.5 percent levy in the context of the USD42,700 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) ordinary capital resources for the Recovery and Resilience -Building, Policy-Based Loan (PBL) to the government of Saint Lucia fulfilling the prerequisites for obtaining the loan that entailed meeting eight requisites from the CDB; the specific language revolving from parliament Tuesday, February 20, 2024, and subsequent political squabbles.
Humanitarian injustice
“The fundamental part of the problem with healthcare in Saint Lucia has been wastage, incompetence and corruption supplemented by poor planning, poor accountability and minimal transparency of operations.
“The healthcare system in Saint Lucia has been plagued with chronic low financing, critically low resources, staff shortages and poor leadership for eons. In 2024, nothing has changed, yet expecting different and better outcomes. This is lunacy! Healthcare in Saint Lucia continues to be a humanitarian injustice,” said a medical expert.
