Castries, January 27, 2025 – Saint Lucian residents are set to receive essential medical and surgical care as the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, coordinates a Medical/Surgical Mission led by the United States Air Forces Southern medical mission, Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team 2025 (LAMAT 25) Scheduled from Monday, February 24 to Friday, March 7, 2025, this mission will deliver advanced healthcare services, enhance local medical expertise, and promote collaboration between visiting and local healthcare professionals.
This mission will see a multidisciplinary team of vascular surgeons, general surgeons, cardiologists, dental specialists, anesthesiologists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals delivering critical services. The team will provide medical equipment, medication, and supplies to support this effort. Surgical procedures will be conducted at the Owen King European Union (OKEU) Hospital and Saint Jude Hospital, with specialized dental and cardiology services at OKEU and dental clinics at wellness centres in Anse La Raye and La Clery.
Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, Chief Medical Officer, highlighted the mission’s scope. “This initiative is not just about providing medical and surgical care; it is about building capacity within our local health sector. Training sessions will be held for local medical officers, prioritizing emergency and advanced trauma management, while specialists from OKEU and Saint Jude Hospital will collaborate with visiting experts. This collaboration enhances the skills of our healthcare teams and improves patient outcomes.”
Residents across Saint Lucia are encouraged to register for the services being offered. Registration for cardiology interventions will be open from February 3 to February 18, 2025, at wellness centres, polyclinics, community hospitals, and private practices. Dental service registration is available at local dental clinics from February 3 to February 21, 2025.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to ensuring continuity of care for patients,” Dr. Belmar-George added. “All visiting medical staff have been vetted in accordance with local legal requirements. Additionally, our national health practitioners will work alongside the visiting teams, ensuring that patients receive follow-up care as needed. This mission represents a significant step forward in strengthening our health system and addressing critical health needs across the island,” explained Dr. George.
As part of the mission’s agenda, a health fair is scheduled to take place in Dennery from March 5 to 6, 2025. Details about the health fair will be shared closer to the date.
The Ministry of Health expresses its gratitude to the U.S. Military, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and all local and international partners involved in this mission. Together, we are advancing healthcare delivery and improving lives in Saint Lucia.
