At an opposition event Sunday night, Guy Joseph, First Deputy Leader of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), expressed disappointment with the current government’s approach to healthcare in Saint Lucia, contrasting it with what he claims his party would have achieved if re-elected.
Speaking to opposition supporters, Joseph highlighted the UWP’s plans for a hospital in Soufriere.
“We had made all the arrangements for a brand new hospital in Soufriere with the designs and the land acquired. If Prime Minister Allen Chastanet was re-elected, we would have had a completed hospital in Soufriere with 40 beds, so the people would not have to go to OKEU Hospital from Soufriere and fill in the corridors; they would have been able to be in good hospital care right here in Soufriere,” he said.
Additionally, Joseph asserted that the UWP would have completed St. Jude Hospital and an international medical facility.
He contrasted this party’s vision with the reality that many Saint Lucians now must travel to Saint Vincent for treatment.
According to Joseph, any right-thinking individual would be deeply concerned about healthcare in Saint Lucia today.
The UWP deputy leader described overcrowding at OKEU Hospital and inadequate care facilities, raising concern over patients waiting in uncomfortable conditions.
“When you have 40 patients in the waiting area, in the corridors…all of us have experienced it. A certain level of comfort is most necessary when somebody is sick; you can endure more things. When you are sick, you want to be in the most comfortable position, just to bring a measure of relief,” he stated.
However, the former government Minister noted that many are forced to wait days in corridors and on stretchers.
He criticised the government for ignoring citizens’ pleas, stating that, despite these critical issues, leaders continue to claim that “everything is all right.”
In addition, Joseph stressed the urgent need for improvement and reform in the healthcare system.
