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CDBapprovesUS$29.8Mtoimprove Caribbeancountrieshealthcaresystems
from Kaieteur News
by GxMedia
T h e C a r i b b e a n Development Bank (CDB) has committed US$29.8 million to strengthen health systems in Grenada, Saint LuciaandSt.Vincentandthe Grenadines to better withstand future health crises.
In a statement the Bank notedthatalmostthreeyears ago, the COVID-19 pandemic first breached the shores of Caribbean countries, causing severe economic and social dislocation and putting immense strain on health systems throughout the Region.
Now, as the Region continues its recovery, the BankhasapprovedUS$29.8 million to help with several Caribbean countries health caresystems.
At a meeting on Thursday, March 30, the
Bank’s board of directors ratified approval of three loansinthesumsofUS$9.97 million, US$9 86 million and US$10 million to the Governments of Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines respectively The funding is allocated from resources provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to CDBundertheEIBClimate Action Line of Credit IICOVID-19Component.
CDB’sVice-Presidentof Operations, Isaac Solomon said the COVID-19 pandemic had revealed cracks in the health care systems, making the investmenttimely “The unrelenting demands of the pandemic unearthed and made more prominent and urgent, criticalfrailtiesinourhealth sector around the areas of l i m i t e d h u m a n , infrastructure and institutional capacity,” said Solomon.
Headded,“Accordingly, there is an urgent need for upgrading to strategically position our countries to be able to respond to present and emerging challenges We are therefore pleased to be able to approve these resources to help strengthen resilience.”
Notably, it was stated that in Grenada, the funding w i l l a s s i s t w i t h infrastructural works and updates at various medical facilities including the St Georges General Hospital, the Westerhall Medical Station, the St Georges Medical Station, the Grand Bras Health Facility, the New Hampshire Health Facility, the River Sallee Medical Station, the
Hillsborough Health Centre and the Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital.
Itwillalsofundcapacity building and training for health care workers in key areas including the
Biomedical Equipment Technician Certification, rehabilitation and counselling, and risk communication The funding will also support increasedtrainingfornurses in a range of specialities including intensive care, nephrology, neonatology, emergency care, geriatric care, oncology and nursing administration.Theloanwill also cover support for purchasing of goods and equipment throughout the health sector as well as institutional strengthening initiatives such as a planned digitalisation of the health sector
In Saint Lucia, nearly US$2millionofthefunding will be utilised for purchasing critical medical equipment such as ventilators, x-ray machines, ultrasound machines and dental,neonatalandeyecare equipment. The equipment will go to health facilities across the island, including the La Ressource Wellness Centre, Castries Urban Centre, Dennery Hospital,
Soufriere Hospital, Comfort Bay Home for Older Persons, St. Jude Hospital and two respiratory clinicsVieux-Fort Wellness Centre andGrosIsletPolyclinic.
It was stated that over US$3 million will be allocated for improvements at five health care facilities. Two facilities damaged by fire in recent years - the La RessourceWellnessCentre
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