TCI: Lion’s Share of Budget to Health; Minister announces new strides

#TurksandCaicos, July 8, 2021 – Just over a quarter of the National Budget will go to the Ministry of Health; again securing the lion’s share of the projected spending for 2021-2022 and with significant plans for improvement of health care, health care costs and health care delivery. 

Among the stand-out items from the Minister of Health’s presentation during Budget Debate last week, was the reveal that a new public health laboratory is coming for Grand Turk. It is where antigen testing for Covid19 will be carried out and the announcement of the new lab comes ahead of the resumption of cruising to Grand Turk. 

Deputy Premier, E Jay Saunders informed that within his $81.4 million dollar portfolio, there is $2.4 million assigned to Special Needs.  One key focus for the Special Needs Unit will be raising public awareness of the services available and programs being offered; a campaign for this is touted as coming by the minister. 

Also from Hon Saunders, that EMS will get $1.4 million dollars and part of the upgrades are a surveillance system for the 911 calls; it will gauge call volumes and response times and there is a plan to outfit EMS with new ambulances to bolster the fleet in Providenciales and Middle Caicos. 

Primary Health Care is also with new initiatives announced including the introduction of a child health record and take home card inclusive of immunization and growth chart information and a robust school health programme for pre and primary school children. 

Also in Hon Saunders’ budget presentation, an announcement for stronger promotions for nursing as a career among school aged children, with an enhanced programme at the TCI Community College, said the minister.  The progression of nursing will be strategically approached, a five-year plan is to be developed. 

Mental Health and Substance Dependence, has seen an increase in demand of its services amidst the coronavirus pandemic and the minister said the idea is to ensure, and I quote now:  “they get the resources that they need to be able to do their job at the highest level.” 

The Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence will receive an allocation of $1.6 million.

In a presentation he dubbed, ‘Breaking Barriers in Health’ – DP E Jay Saunders informed:  “…our vision for the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is for it to create the environment whereby all residents of the Turks & Caicos Islands can achieve their full potential for health and well-being across their lifespan.”