Growth and development of our local healthcare system can only be achieved through genuine public and private sector partnerships.
According to Minister of Health Donville Inniss, given that the health and wealth of a nation are inextricably linked, there can be no doubt that improvements to our healthcare system will have a positive influence on our economic development, and be of benefit to organisations and companies operating here. In fact, he told those gathered for the official opening of the Warrens Healthcare Complex, that investing in health can only lead to an economically strong and viable business environment, healthier citizens and improved productivity.
Inniss further suggested that a major goal therefore, must be to refashion and re-adjust our health system, with the view of not only keeping abreast of the changing world of technology and medical advancement, but to ultimately meet the needs of our population. The health minister noted that access to healthcare is not only a must, but a right for all of our citizens and as such, he said that his ministry is committed to creating programmes and policies that will seek to make such access more equitable and viable for all.
“The Ministry of Health is not in a neutral position, sitting idly and watching the world pass by. We have listened well to those affected by our policies and programmes; we have sought additional funding; pulled apart our operating system and put the Ministry in the drive position and we are well on our way to restoring our healthcare system to being one that works for the benefit of all. There must be no turning back at this stage of our healthcare development,” he said.He added that those persons may be concerned about Government’s engagement of the private sector with respect to healthcare development, have a myopic view that has no relevance in today’s world. He contended that the State cannot provide all services to all residents and therefore he is of the firm belief that the private sector must be encouraged to provide services, which may or may not be provided in the public sector, and without compromising the service levels within the public sector.
With that in mind, he remarked that he is aware that Government must continue to provide an enabling environment that allows private sector to compete fairly and in the best interest of the wider society and he said that there is great scope for both the private and public sectors to co-exist, partner and succeed. Using the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as an example, he indicated that the tertiary care facility has revisited its outsourced dialysis programme with private sector and has also embraced teleradiology with a private enterprise to eliminate a backlog of cases.
“We have also at the primary care levels, advanced discussions on the provision of improved diagnostic services in our primary care department. The services at this facility should be utilised by our nearby polyclinics to assist in a timely delivery of service to our public patients. All I ask in return is that your rates be fair and reasonable. We will not partner well if the attitude is one that Government can never go broke, and hence we will pay whatever is charged,” the minister stated. (JRT)
