The first in a series of briefing sessions on the draft insurance coverage began today (Tuesday, December 04, 2018) at the Irish Town Primary School Conference Room. The meeting was held for education officials including permanent secretaries, principals, vice principals, head teachers, deputy head teachers, and senior education officers.
Officials from the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission on Universal Health Care spoke about the Green Paper and presented on a number of topics, including the benefits of universal health care and financing options.
Chairperson of the National Commission for Universal Health Care for St. Kitts and Nevis (SKNNCUHC), Azilla Clarke said that officials made the decision to target employee groups so as to extend the reach of public engagement. The current engagement plan includes forums such as town hall meetings, radio appearances, one-on-one consultations and stakeholder meetings.
Government is the largest employer in St. Kitts. Ms. Clarke noted that this influenced the decision to begin with public sector workers, given the size and accessibility of the employees. The next meeting for civil servants is scheduled for Thursday, December 06. Officials will meet with staff at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, as well as the Ministry of Education. Such meetings will continue throughout the rest of the year.
Ms. Clarke added that officials are also reaching out to various managers of companies at the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Site. Several factories employ hundreds of workers at the location. Interested managers are encouraged to contact the SKNNCUHC at 466-9697 for more information.
