St. Kitts and Nevis, 1 February 2024 (PAHO) - The Joseph N. France General Hospital in St. Kitts and Nevis is better equipped to provide services for timely diagnosis and management of mental and neurological diseases across all age groups thanks to a donation from PAHO.
During a handing over ceremony recently, Minister of Health and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, received an electroencephalography (EEG) machine valued at approximately $100,000 US dollars, from PAHO. Country Program Specialist for St. Kitts and Nevis, Anneke Wilson, made the presentation on behalf of PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Amalia Del Riego.
Prime Minister Drew thanked PAHO for the donation and stated that St. Kitts and Nevis was greatly in need of such a machine.
“This machine, I would say, is well needed here in our federation. As a practicing physician, not too long ago, I used to see a lot of patients who had neurological diseases and seizures and so forth. And it was, of course, impossible for them to get some of the necessary investigation that would, of course, redound in their better management and treatment.”
The Prime Minister anticipated that “This machine would ensure that people are diagnosed better, they are treated better, and this will contribute to what we call, of course, secure health care or better delivery of health care. As we seek to build out our sustainable island state, and we seek to build on our pillars, one of them, of course, is social protection, and under social protection comes health. And we are really geared towards providing universal health care. But not just universal health care. But there has to be quality, there has to be equity.”
PAHO’s Country Program Specialist, Anneke Wilson, reiterated the capacity of the EEG machine.
“The EEG machine is a powerful tool in the accurate diagnosis and effective management of neurological and mental health disorders across all age groups. This contribution from PAHO to St. Kitts and Nevis underscores the Organization's dedication to supporting health systems strengthening and promoting advancements in use of safe, effective, and quality medical technologies throughout the region.”
Wilson acknowledged the dedicated healthcare professionals who will be utilizing the EEG machine, describing “their commitment to excellence and their tireless efforts in caring for the health of the citizens”, and adding that “they deserve our utmost respect and appreciation.”
She emphasized: “The ability to provide cutting-edge medical technology to meet the needs of our people is a testament to our commitment to the well-being of all.”
