By Elesha George
In the face of soaring temperatures expected this September, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC), the country’s sole public hospital, is urgently trying to replace its air conditioning system.
Last week, the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) issued a warning that elevated ocean temperatures, intensifying heat stress, are expected to persist across the Caribbean region for the next three months.
According to the government, approximately EC$4 million (USD $1.5 million) is needed to replace the malfunctioning system. Given the essential role of a fully functioning AC system in maintaining patient comfort and providing the necessary clean air for operating rooms, a swift replacement is imperative.
The Cabinet was recently advised that the replacement could be done in stages, and the members have voted to provide resources needed to complete phase one of the replacement and to purchase some single units that can relieve the discomfort when the days are really hot.
“It is urgent and to that extent other modalities may have to be considered,” said Cabinet Spokesman, Melford Nicholas. He said there are also supplemental plants that are available to the Ministry of Health, like the Cuthwin Lake Centre on Nugent Avenue which should have up to 70 beds.
The hospital receives a monthly subsidy of approximately EC$3 million from the Medical Benefit Scheme (MBS). This subsidy allows patients to access medical services at reduced costs, making healthcare more accessible to the population. Nicholas said the government will allocate the necessary available resources needed to address the situation and supplement what is available from MBS.
However, the hospital has a number of other concerns that require funding. “It still remains a long way from an adequate source of funding to keep our public health infrastructure in place,” he said.
Aging bathroom facilities, inadequate beds and staff shortage are just some of the issues that plague the hospital and cause interruptions to service.
Nicholas said the government must find ways to fund the healthcare system outside of using public funds.
“It’s an obligation that’s going to be placed on all of us,” he warned emphasising the need for a higher level of compliance to paying MBS contributions.
“I believe there are too many instances where we have low levels of compliance for companies who ought to be paying more through the medical benefit scheme,” he noted.
Once the MBS gets this additional funding, he noted that more resources can be pushed towards funding public health and sustaining health infrastructure. To fund the hospital adequately, the government must account for staffing expenses, including those for nurses who have recently received a salary and benefits increase.