As part of the Government’s ongoing bid to create a modern and resilient health system, the Ministry of Health Wellness and New Health Investment has partnered with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to conduct a retreat aimed at the development of a strategic plan for the more effective delivery of healthcare in Dominica.
This retreat focused on the strategic planning of the Dominica Hospital Authority to ensure the development of both the primary and secondary health systems.
Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit expressed his thanks to PAHO for what he described as their continued support and dedication to Dominica.
“PAHO continues to exemplify itself especially during challenging periods. That is when we see the true spirit and commitment and dedication of PAHO. Obviously PAHO is certainly very present with a number of training programmes, mobilization of resources, technical support and advice. But in Dominica we can speak of the tremendous support especially during challenging times,” Hon Skerrit stated.
Minister for Health Wellness and New Health Investments, Dr. Irving McIntyre stated that the retreat focused on creating a coordination between the two health sectors.
“What we would really want to get from this retreat between the Board and the consultants from PAHO is the recognition that there must be coordination between both the primary health care aspect and the hospital aspect. They both must be in sync and that way even the allocation of resources whether it is for primary health care or whether it is for the hospital system; that is something we want to iron out in this retreat,” Dr. McIntyre stated.
The Health Minister noted that in order to create a resilient health system, Government must not only focus on health infrastructure but on the internal logistics of the system.
“We have been investing a lot in the infrastructure, but we all know that infrastructure doesn’t necessarily translate to a better health care system. We need many more things to go with the infrastructure that will translate eventually into a better health system. And with all the centers of excellence that we are going to open soon, what we would hate to see happen is the hospital system moving ahead and then the primary health care system is lagging behind. They have to be done simultaneously, concurrently. They have to be done together,” Dr. McIntyre added.
Chairperson of the Dominica Hospital Authority, Mrs. Jennifer Astaphan stated that the DHA is grateful to PAHO “for helping us in charting the course”. She noted that health care workers on all levels must work together to create a synchronization between primary and secondary health care.
“I believe that because of our sixe we can almost have a perfect synergy between primary care and secondary care. And with the use of technology that can make even more things possible in terms of synergy and communication,” Mrs. Astaphan explained.
Meanwhile Dr. Carissa Etienne described the retreat as an opportunity to define the way forward for Dominica’s health sector.
“I think we have the opportunity to collectively deliberate and define a way forward for the continued development of the Dominica Hospital Authority and the provision of a comprehensive set of health services that meets international standards and norms delivered by the most dedicated, committed and well qualified health professionals in the Caribbean. And as we move forward with our deliberations, I wish for us to bear in mind five critical and strategic issues that we will need to be addressed in the short medium and long term. First we must continue to bear in mind that a health system is comprised of all entities, institutions and actors involved in improving health and wellbeing of the population,” Dr. Etienne stated.
The PAHO Director noted they must use the opportunity to strengthen the DHA and ensure that a proper health system is in place to facilitate its work.
“In our efforts to strengthen the DHA, we must avoid at all costs the segmentation and fragmentation of the health systems in Dominica, instead availing of the opportunity to develop a hospitals authority that is fully integrated and embedded within a well-functioning health system. Secondly, we need a hospital authority that is tooled and equipped to lead the development of the hospital network well into this century, thinking with a vision and mission that is well defined, that is centered on the health needs of the population,” Dr. Etienne added.
Dr. Etienne was accompanied by Dr. Godfrey Xuereb, Head of Country and Sub-Regional Cooperation at PAHO and Country Program Officer for Dominica, Ms. Anneke Wilson.
Meanwhile, the 20th Vaccination Week in the Americas was launched today, Monday April 25 2022 with a ceremony at the State House.
Dr. Etienne stated that the region leads the world in the successful eradication of small pox, the elimination of poliomielitis, measles and rubella, congratulating every PAHO member state on these pioneering and innovative health achievements.
“However we must not and cannot take our remarkable progress for granted. The inequitable access to covid-19 vaccines and the widespread vaccine hesitancy have unmasked concerning fault lines along our regional landscape. The public discussion of covid-19 vaccine hesitancy has also turned the spotlight on vaccines n general as never before and I daresay that it is a dilemma that must be addressed sooner rather than later. ” Dr. Etienne explained.
She added that “there is still a long way to go to ensure that all populations at risk, receive the doses they need for protection. And this especially critical for the elderly, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, persons living in situations of vulnerability and of course the health care workers in each country.”
Minister for Health, Dr. Irving McIntyre stated that vaccinations are an important part of our health system as they have contributed to saving the lives of millions of people.
“It is well known that vaccines are among the greatest advances in modern medicine. They have contributed significantly to reduce the child mortality rates while saving millions of other lives. Vaccination is the most important action we can take our protect ourselves, our children and our families against preventable diseases,” Dr. McIntyre noted.
Acting Prime Minister and Senior Minister, Hon. Reginald Austrie described the theme as fitting as Dominica continues its vaccination drive during the covid pandemic.
“The Government of Dominica recognizes the need to increase our vaccination numbers. The theme for this week’s observance, ‘Are You Fully Vaccinated’ applies to vaccination in general but it is certainly a most timely and fitting admonition during this pandemic,” Hon. Austrie stated.