Health Minister Moses Jn Baptiste has strongly defended the government’s phased approach to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), insisting that taking a measured route is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system.
Addressing concerns about the pace of reform, Jn Baptiste explained that the government must take an incremental approach to healthcare implementation, considering the significant costs involved in running healthcare facilities.
“We are admitting, as a government, that we cannot, at this stage, simply put all services into a ‘basket’ and tell the people of St. Lucia that all your healthcare is free,” he said at this week’s pre-Cabinet press briefing.
“We have to proceed responsibly, rolling it out in phases. At each stage, we must assess the challenges and potential pitfalls, and explore how we can improve services to ensure sustainable healthcare financing for the long term.”
The minister highlighted the financial realities facing the healthcare sector. The operational costs of key institutions like the Millennium Heights Medical Complex and St Jude Hospital are substantial, at close to $100 million and $45-50 million, respectively.
Jn Baptiste pointed out that the revenue generated from the 2.5 per cent Health and Safety Security Levy is insufficient to meet the full financial requirements.
“The Health and Security Levy at most would bring $35 million – maybe a little more than that – and that Health and Security Levy is not near what we need for the sustainable financing of healthcare,” he explained. “That is why we have to be very deliberate about what financing model we propose to the people of Saint Lucia.”
When asked about the levy’s expiration in 2025, Jn Baptiste expressed optimism that it would remain in place, though he deferred the final decision to the Ministry of Finance.
“We need these funds to provide the quality healthcare that Saint Lucians deserve,” he said.
