Saint Lucia has taken another significant step toward achieving healthcare for all, with the official launch of its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) website and national logo, marking a new and visible phase in the island’s healthcare reform efforts.
Government officials say the milestone reflects years of planning, consultation and policy development that are now translating into practical services for citizens across the country.
Director of Universal Health Coverage, Dr. Alicia Eugene-Ford, noted that the initiative has been in development long before her tenure, describing it as a deliberate and sustained effort to transform the healthcare landscape. “We’ve been doing work on universal health coverage for a while. Many years, even before my tenure as director of universal health coverage, we started work on that long journey for UHC,” she said.
Dr. Eugene-Ford highlighted several services that have already been introduced under the programme. These include maternal and child health services, cervical cancer screening, HPV testing, prostate cancer screening through the Men’s Health Clinic, snake bite prevention and treatment, and breast cancer screening services.
She also confirmed that colorectal cancer screening is expected to be launched in March, signaling continued expansion of preventative and early detection services.
The launch ceremony also carried emotional weight, as the newly unveiled UHC logo was designed by the late Mr. Desmond Etienne, who passed away before the formal introduction of his work. Officials paid tribute to his contribution, acknowledging it as part of the programme’s legacy and a symbol of the collaborative effort behind the initiative.
Minister for Health Moses Jn Baptiste described the occasion as both celebratory and reflective, recognizing the many individuals who have long envisioned a universal health system for Saint Lucia. “We want to celebrate these people, we want to celebrate all the individuals who have had dreams about a universal health coverage programme in Saint Lucia. We are moving towards that goal, we have not completed the process, it is going to take us a lot more,” the Minister stated.
He emphasized that while meaningful progress has been made, key steps remain. A pilot project is currently underway, and national registration of the population is expected to follow. The Universal Health Coverage Authority Act is also in draft form, with consultations already held to refine its provisions before it is presented to Parliament. “When we present that Act to Parliament, Saint Lucia can feel that truly we are moving forward with universal health coverage,” Jn Baptiste added.
Healthcare providers have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a transformative shift for both patients and institutions. Lydia Atkins, Chief Executive Officer of St. Jude Hospital, said UHC will enhance access and affordability for the population. “UHC provides us an opportunity to ensure that the St Lucian population has access to quality health services. It makes services accessible and available to the entire population. It reduces the out-of-pocket burden for individuals who may not have the ability to pay for healthcare services,” Atkins explained.
She further noted that the framework will strengthen accountability and elevate service standards, allowing healthcare providers to formalize agreements that prioritize quality of care and improved health outcomes.
With the website and logo now launched, Universal Health Coverage is becoming increasingly visible and accessible to citizens across the island. Although legislation and national registration processes are still forthcoming, health officials maintain that Saint Lucia’s journey toward comprehensive and equitable healthcare is steadily progressing from vision to reality.
