UNDER THE OECS REGIONAL HEALTH PROJECT, THE CENTRE IS NOW MORE RESILIENT TO MANAGING PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES.
Residents of the community of Delcer are now accessing healthcare services in a more comfortable and upgraded space following the official reopening of the Delcer Wellness Centre which was SMART rehabilitated under the OECS Regional Health Project.
The newly rehabilitated Delcer Wellness Centre is now more resilient to managing public health emergencies and to continue providing service to residents in the event of a disaster.
Project Coordinator for the OECS Regional Health Project/ HSSP Jeanette Hughes outlined the scope of works for the completed health facility.
“It is anticipated that the centre will be resilient to climate change and extreme weather conditions. The scope of the works for this centre included but not limited to, structural improvements, electrical safety, improvement in lighting, plumbing and water storage and improvement in access for disabled persons.”
Task Team Leader for the World Bank Edit Velenyi highlighted the reopening of Delcer Wellness Centre as a proud day for residents and staff members as the journey has not been an easy one.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Jenny Daniel highlighted the ministry’s dedication to ensure improved healthcare infrastructure around the island and encouraged residents and staff to embrace the Delcer Wellness Centre as their own.
“The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs is acutely aware that refurbishing wellness centres in small communities such as Delcer strengthens the health systems, boost trust in healthcare, improve the quality of life and drives local development.”
Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Hon. Moses Jn Baptiste celebrated the upgrade of the Wellness Centre and reiterated the commitment of his government to ensure that there is increased access to quality healthcare services.
“When you come to the Delcer Wellness Centre you should be able to get more services as the months and years go by. When you come to the Delcer Wellness Centre you should be able to get quality services and the quality of services will increase overtime. When you come to the Delcer Wellness Centre, you should be able to get services and your out-of-pocket costs, meaning the money you take from your pocket to pay for health services should be lower and lower and lower.”
Speaking at the reopening ceremony, Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul/Saltibus Hon. Bradly Felix expressed appreciation to the government for ensuring the people of Choiseul receive a state-of-the-art facility which will serve their needs.
“I want to urge the staff of this centre; you have a new facility and they say a building does not mean that it will change the characters of the people but at least you have a new space where you are a lot more comfortable. Let us provide a better service to the people and you know in Choiseul, you don’t hear this thing about customer complaints. We don’t have that in Choiseul but I only expect it to get better.”
Resident of Delcer, Alexander Jn Pierre expressed great satisfaction with the upgrades at the Wellness Centre and demonstrated his appreciation for the enhanced appearance both on the inside and outside of the facility.
Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre acknowledged the efforts of those who were involved in the successful rehabilitation of the Delcer Wellness Centre and thanked the World Bank for the support they continue to provide to ensure health reforms in Saint Lucia.
“What all of us want is to develop our country, what all of us want is better healthcare. That is what we want and I want to thank them for their involvement in the improvement of health services in our country. I am pleased that we are opening this health centre in Delcer and I am very pleased to hear that the Parliamentary Representative was involved in the planning. I want to congratulate him for being involved in it and also the staff, Mrs. Hughes and team, Permanent Secretary for being involved in that.”
The Delcer Wellness Centre was SMART rehabilitated under the OECS Regional Health Project to the tune of over EC $843,000.