THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH, WELLNESS AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS THROUGH ITS PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT RECENTLYLAUNCHED THE PERFORMANCE-BASED FINANCING (PBF) PILOT PROGRAM

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs through its Project Implementation Unit recentlylaunched the performance-based financing (PBF) pilot program at the Bethel’s Blessings Events andConference Centre in Dennery. The PBF pilot program which is financed by the World Bank focuses on providing screening and treatment services for Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension in 17 primary health care facilities in Saint Lucia in a two-phased approach. Individuals who are 18 years and older will be eligible to access services of screening and risk assessment, medication for treatment and laboratory tests for clients at no cost under the PBF pilot program.

Speaking at the launch ceremony of the PBF Pilot Program, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Jenny Daniel said the PBF pilot program fits in the strategic
plan of the ministry to significantly transform the health system over the next decade.

“The Ministry of Health is happy and proud today to launch the PBF pilot program which is a historic first in terms of healthcare delivery with the potential to have a revolutionary effect on the structure
of primary health care delivery system and improve accessibility of health services as well as the quality of healthcare delivered in Saint Lucia.”

Practice Manager for Health, Nutrition and Population, Latin America and the Caribbean Region at the World Bank Dr. Michel Gragnolati applauded the efforts of the Ministry of Health in launching the PBF pilot program and says this marks a new era in how health services are financed and delivered in Saint Lucia.

“Through the PBF, Saint Lucia is making wise investments in the health sector and for the population in two main ways. Firstly, this program focuses on the non-communicable disease (NCD) countdown 2030 Agenda to achieve SDG target 3.4, which aims to find efficient services, delivery pathways and investments to accelerate reducing premature mortality from NCDs. Secondly, through PBF, Saint Lucia is investing in primary health care to make the public health care network reliable and value. This is critical because more and better financing for primary care is the cornerstone of attaining universal health coverage.”

Also addressing the audience at the ceremony was Hon. Moses Jn Baptiste, Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs who was extremely elated to be part of the launch of the PBF Pilot Program and says that the PBF demonstrates a creative and engaging way in bringing about a health sector reform.

“This performance-based financing (PBF) Pilot Program deals with the transfer of money or material goods. It means increasing the quality and quantity of services, it shifts risk from the buyer
to the provider. It causes performance to be examined and causes there to be a system of encouragement, inducement, pushing the boundaries so that everyone performs better.”

In his remarks, Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre welcomed the launch of the PBF pilot program which is expected to benefit the people of Saint Lucia as it relates to screening and treatment for Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension. The Hon. Prime Minister said that given healthcare is complex, there is need for everyone to work collectively and together.

Phase One of the PBF pilot program has commenced with the provision of its services on July 3, 2023 in eight primary health care facilities: La Croix Maingot Wellness Centre, Jacmel Wellness Centre,
Richfond Wellness Centre, Dennery Hospital, Mon Repos Wellness Centre, Desruisseaux Wellness Centre, La Fargue Wellness Centre and Soufriere Hospital. Thereafter, Phase Two of the PBF pilot program is expected to commence in nine other Wellness Centres on January 2024.

The Ministry of Health encourages individuals to access the services and get registered at theirwellness centre and to encourage others to do the same.

For more information relating to the PBF pilot program, please contact the Project Implementation Unit of the Ministry of Health at 468-6433/ 468-6434 (office) or 286-7517 (mobile or WhatsApp) or
email piucommunications@gmail.com.