Ministry of Health, Gender Affairs, and Social Empowerment: 2025 Agenda and Achievements

Alexandra Hospital Expansion Project

A centerpiece of the Ministry’s 2025 agenda is the completion of the Alexandra Hospital Expansion Project. Senator Nisbett acknowledged past delays but reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to completing the project.

“I take this time to fully acknowledge the delay of the Alexandra Hospital Expansion Project and take the opportunity to reaffirm my Ministry’s commitment to bringing the vision to fruition,” she stated.

“This commitment is evidenced by the EC$12 million budgeted for 2025. Now that we have secured the required BOQ [quantity surveying] documents, we have engaged the Republic of China (Taiwan) and other technical partners to propel this project forward.”

Project Highlights

The expansion will house critical facilities, including the laboratory, radiology, physiotherapy units, an operating theatre, pharmacy, additional wards, and administrative spaces.

Mission Focus

Sensor Nisbett emphasized that the Ministry’s focus remains on delivering quality care, stating, “Our progress in health must be measured by the quality of care available, not in the number or size of buildings.”

Budget Allocation

The Ministry of Health, Gender Affairs, and Social Empowerment, has secured the second-highest ministerial allotment in the 2025 budget, with $48.7 million representing 18 percent of the total budget. This allocation reflects an increase from the 2024 budget and underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to healthcare.

The Honourable Minister pointed out that Health represents over 80 percent of the total budgetary allotment.

“At $48.7 million, representing 18 percent of the total budget, this significant allocation reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our citizens and advancing the social development of Nevis,” Senator Nisbett highlighted. “If we put this into a global context, we will see that… here in little Nevis, we are punching way above our weight class.”

2023 Achievements

Additionally, the Ministry surpassed its 2023 revenue projections, with actual collections of $1.82 million, exceeding the $1.64 million estimate by $184,465. Hospital revenue also significantly outperformed expectations, achieving $1.72 million – 87 percent above its projected target.

Diagnostic Advancements

Senator Nisbett highlighted several achievements that illustrate the Ministry’s dedication to improving healthcare services, including diagnostic advancements where the Alexandra Hospital’s radiology department performed over 4,000 procedures by November 30, 1,133 ultrasounds, 2,348 X-rays, and 99 mammograms.

Operating Theatre Milestones

The operating theatre marked history with the Federation’s first-ever corneal transplant, alongside 29 eye surgeries in November alone.

Public Health Projects

The Ministry also launched impactful public health projects, including the inaugural Men’s Health Fair, which engaged the community in men’s health awareness; the Youth Health Mentorship Project, which encourages teenagers to explore healthcare careers; and the launch of the Under the Scope Health Chronicles, a digital health magazine promoting awareness and education.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Health, Gender Affairs, and Social Empowerment is committed to delivering quality healthcare services to the people of Nevis. With a significant budget allocation and a focus on diagnostic advancements, public health projects, and hospital expansion, the Ministry is dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of its citizens.

FAQs

* What is the Ministry’s budget for 2025?
+ EC$12 million
* What is the focus of the Ministry’s 2025 agenda?
+ Completion of the Alexandra Hospital Expansion Project
* What is the significance of the Ministry’s budget allocation?
+ It represents 18% of the total budget and reflects an increase from the 2024 budget
* What are some of the Ministry’s achievements in 2023?
+ Surpassed revenue projections, with actual collections exceeding estimates by $184,465; hospital revenue outperformed expectations by 87%
* What are some of the Ministry’s public health projects?
+ Men’s Health Fair, Youth Health Mentorship Project, and Under the Scope Health Chronicles