The Ministry of Health is in the process of developing a five year strategic plan for medical laboratories in Dominica.
On Monday representatives from Government and private sector labs, clinical heads of hospitals, as well as legal and policy experts began a week-long workshop at the Garraway Hotel.
Stakeholders will discuss and provide information which will constitute Dominica’s strategic plan for medical laboratories.
Lab Superintendant, Catherina Jemmott during Monday’s opening ceremony said labs in the region are struggling for resources and it is critical that strategic plans are developed to better prioritize these resources.
Jemmott noted that the strategic plan being developed will seek to strengthen and achieve adequate laboratory capacity.
She stated, “...it is really important for us to go through this process especially at this time in the history of labs in the region and really internationally. Labs are at the crossroad we are really struggling to keep up and struggling for resources. What [timelier] manner is it to have a strategic plan in place? “
According to Helen Royer, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, the strategic plan when developed, will provide a roadmap for improving and strengthening the provision and delivery of laboratory services on the island.
She confirmed, “The objective of this workshop therefore, seeks to improve, strengthen and promote the capacities and capabilities of medical laboratories that will improve their diagnostic and monetary efficiencies. Since the Ministry of Health is of the firm belief that the involvement of the private sector in health development should be stimulated and encouraged it is envisaged that there will be increased public/private sector partnership and collaboration in the provision of quality lab services.”
Dr. Micheal Seepersaud and Ms. Songee Beckles facilitated this week’s workshop.