Donors from the United Kingdom continue to provide assistance in the modernization of Saint Lucia’s healthcare systems. The most recent project was the retrofitting of 15 health facilities into SMART facilities. The facilities have been upgraded to green, climate resilient structures.

The project was implemented in a number of countries around the region with funding provided by the UK Government and the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

A delegation from the UK Government during a short visit to Saint Lucia, toured two of the 15 facilities.

Malcom Geere, UK Development Director for the Caribbean Development Team said the UK remains committed to providing continued assistance to the Caribbean in the area of climate change.

 “The medical centers that we’ve retrofitted have been with PAHO, the regional health organization. And actually what we’ve done here is pilot a new model which didn’t exist. So we’ve now designed something here with PAHO that we’ve proved. So far fortunately it hasn’t been tested in St. Lucia but in St. Vincent for example our health centers there that we’ve retrofitted withstood the eruption and were opened very quickly after the eruption.”

The UK official expressed confidence in the outcome of the project, which he says can further benefit other vulnerable countries.

The facilities received overhauls inclusive of solar panels, rain water collection systems and disability access.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Jenny Daniel said a new maintenance structure within the Ministry was necessary to ensure upkeep.

“We recognize that we cannot do things in the same way that we have done in the past and in anticipation of the new demands that will be place on us as a result of the smarting and the upgrading of these institutions, we have made the necessary adjustments to allow us to do so.”

Ms. Daniel said the Ministry has already begun recording savings on utilities. She added that the plan is to redirect these monies into ensuring the facilities are maintained in accordance with an established schedule.

The UK funded the upgrading of 55 health facilities in the region, 15 of which are located in St. Lucia.

At least three of the smart builds in St. Lucia have been awarded the gold standard.