While delivering the 2019 Budget Address on December 12, Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, said that to curb the proliferation of NCDs, the government is implementing several initiatives including the development of a National Multi-sectoral Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs in St. Kitts and Nevis for the period 2018-2022.
“This would be accomplished through a collaborative approach between the Public and Private Sectors. This approach will ensure that resources, both financial and human, are used efficiently and minimize the incidence of duplication of initiatives,” he said.
Prime Minister Harris said that his administration has recognized the importance of addressing what ails communities in the Federation “before the situation manifests into something dire.”
He added that the eleven (11) health centres throughout St. Kitts are being prioritized for refurbishment and where necessary, complete reconstruction. He also noted that the construction of the state-of-the-art health centre in partnership with the Republic of China (Taiwan), which will serve the community of Tabernacle and the surrounding areas, is nearing completion.
“I would like to use this opportunity to thank the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its continued partnership in the development of the health sector,” he said.
He also said that the primary health care sector will continue with the construction of a modern health facility in the community of St. Peter’s.
In praising the continued effective health delivery system at the grassroots level, the prime minister announced that the Federation was ranked 2nd in the Caribbean Region for Immunization Surveillance by achieving 98.0 percent coverage.
The prime minister highlighted that attention is also being given to complimentary services that are being provided within the local community centres.