13th August 2019

Government to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness of health service 

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By Ministry of Health

Press Release:– The Government of Saint Lucia is collaborating with the World Bank Group (WBG) to develop a Health System Strengthening Project with the objectives to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness of health service delivery through the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW).

Component Two of the project would include improvements and refurbishments of up to 33 selected primary health facilities including equipment inventory, procedures provided, and infrastructure, based on a survey to be conducted during implementation.

The precise changes and activities are not yet known in detail, so an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) is being created to plan for, prevent, minimize and mitigate any potential negative impacts from planned project activities.

In addition, national health care waste management plans will be updated for activities that include minor refurbishments and the proper disposal of medical equipment.

Activities will also include the strengthening of surveillance and information systems, laboratory capacity, and preparedness for public health emergencies.

The potential negative impacts can be grouped into two categories: those associated with typical small civil works during refurbishment, and those associated with medical waste management during operation.

The former are addressed within the ESMF by the provision of a generic Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) with Best Management Practices (BMPs) and standard contract clauses for small civil works, and a pre-design screening to identify any special conditions requiring additional mitigation measures.

The latter are addressed by provision of Terms of Reference (TOR) to develop a Health Care Waste Management System (HWMS) during the early stages of implementation.

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