Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 19, 2018 (SKNIS): The well known saying “The Health of the Nation is the Wealth of the Nation,” reigns true for the Government of National Unity, says Senator and Deputy Speaker in the National Assembly, Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett, during the 2019 Budget debate on December 18, adding that she strongly supports the Minister of State responsible for Health, Honourable Wendy Phipps.
Senator Byron said that “it is evident from the draft estimates presented by the Ministry of Health and the justification of the spending provided within the estimates and complemented by the presentation of the Minister of State with the responsibility, the Honourable Wendy Phipps, that the ministry and government by extension pays keen attention to the health statistics of this country.”
“The trends will ensure that the people of this country have access to adequate and reliable health services,” she said.
Senator Byron stated that the government now has a minister that pays close attention to statistics.
“She took her time during her presentation and presented us with statistics on data such as the health trends that have been noted. She then used that as a backdrop to present the policies, plans and actions that will be placed in motion to reverse some of the higher health risks areas identified,” she said.
The senator commented that because Minister Phipps pays close attention to the trends, statistics and data, as they pertain to health, the government is confident that those will be translated into an action plan for 2019 that will justify the spending by the ministry for 2019.
“This government understands the importance and the value of investing in the health of our people. This government understands that we must put people first in all that we do,” said Senator Akilah Byron-Nisbett.