The reform in our health care system is well underway. The distinction has been made from the outset that the Democratic Labour Party’s focus in health care is not restricted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The current health care strategy has embraced all levels of the delivery of health care. This was signalled by the strong stance taken very early on the people sensitive matter of banning smoking in public. Minister Donville Inniss’ firm stance on this set the tone for managing a very dynamic sector.
The ministry’s drive to get people involved in healthier lives through the National Task Force on Physical Activity and Exercise speaks to the future agenda setting of the ministry. These policy initiatives all form part of a macro health care strategy and focus on primary health care.
The synergy that is taking place in the developmental agenda of health must be seen as a point of departure in how we do things different as a political party and a Government versus the Opposition.
This Democratic Labour Party Government inherited a limping health care sector with little or no direction. The Minister, Senator Irene Sandiford Garner, his Parliamentary Secretary and chairman of the QEH, Reverend Guy Hewitt, are delivering.
They have brought some stability and renewed trust in the health care system. The cafeteria, which is seen as the centre of interaction and social cohesion for the workers and public alike, was closed for an extensive time under the Arthur regime with no clear indication of its rebirth. It was these types of heartless acts that have been corrected.
The recent announcement of the $14 million electrical upgrade and the funds to restart the $16 million St John Polyclinic must be placed in context.
We acknowledge the importance of people in the development process and the agenda has been rotating around their input and needs. The soon to be training of more than 200 people in improved customer care
is yet another tangible effort in pulling the public’s confidence closer to the heart beat of the institution.
The acquisition two new ambulances with a third on the way trumpet’s the intention of this Government to take health care seriously.
Barbadians have a right to be proud of what has taken place under the Democratic Labour Party as it was done for them. As taxpayers, we deserve a better health care system and it is coming. The intention to put to use the Lions Care building through the input of a cardiology suite and eye care department will be a welcome addition to the delivery of enhanced health care services.
We warned Barbadians that the Opposition would continue to mislead the public on the availability of funds for health care. Minister Inniss and his team had rebuffed this rumour and have left no stone unturned in ensuring that people are put first in our health care strategy. Congrats to the team hard at work.
