Ministry of Health Receives Medical Equipment Donation from Social Security Board

The Ministry of Health on Nevis received a substantial donation of medical equipment worth US $60,000 from the St. Christopher & Nevis Social Security Board (SSB). This generous contribution signifies a significant boost to the healthcare capabilities of Alexandra Hospital and other healthcare facilities on the island, ultimately benefiting patients and the wider Nevisian community. The donation underscores the SSB’s commitment to national development beyond its traditional role as a social security provider.

The official handover ceremony, held at Alexandra Hospital, saw Mrs. Mellicia Phillip, Deputy Director of the SSB, presenting the equipment to the Honourable Senator Jahnel Nisbett, Minister of Health. Senator Nisbett expressed profound gratitude for the donation, highlighting its positive impact on patient care and the overall healthcare system. She emphasized the value of the equipment for patients, healthcare professionals, and the Ministry of Health as a whole, recognizing the tangible benefits it would bring to the community. The Minister acknowledged the ongoing support from Social Security, referencing previous contributions like the donation of two ambulances, and expressing optimism for future collaborations. Following the official remarks, Minister Nisbett formally presented the donated equipment to Mrs. Shinelle Browne, the Assistant Hospital Administrator.

The donated equipment includes a range of essential medical devices and appliances. Ten electric hospital beds will significantly improve patient comfort and care at both Alexandra Hospital and the Flamboyant Nursing Home. The Dental Unit received a much-needed dry/vac suction machine, two water purification systems, and two ultrasonic scalar units with various handpieces, enhancing their capacity to provide comprehensive dental services. Furthermore, the Community Health Nursing Services received two Brewer examination beds, strengthening their ability to deliver quality outpatient care. This comprehensive donation addresses several key areas within the Nevisian healthcare system, ensuring a more efficient and comfortable experience for patients across various departments.

Mrs. Phillip, the SSB Deputy Director, reiterated the Board’s dedication to bolstering the healthcare infrastructure in Nevis. She explained that the donation represented a combined contribution for two years, as the annual $30,000 donation was not made the previous year. Emphasizing the importance of healthcare as a cornerstone of national development, Mrs. Phillip highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to ensure high standards of care for all citizens. The donation, she stated, exemplifies the Social Security Board’s broader role as a partner in national progress, extending beyond its core social protection mandate. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for their dedicated service and looked forward to continued collaboration in the future.

The handover ceremony was attended by key figures from both the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Board. Among those present were Shelissa Martin-Clarke, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health; Chandreka Persaud-Wallace, Matron; Dhaima Golding, Assistant Matron; Donna Hanley, Nurse Manager at the Flamboyant Nursing Home; Gary Liburd, Nevis Branch Manager of the SSB; and Social Security Board members Kyle Claxton and Llewellyn Parris. Other representatives from both organizations were also in attendance, underscoring the significance of the event and the collaborative spirit between the two entities. The presence of these key stakeholders demonstrated the importance of the donation and the shared commitment to improving healthcare on Nevis.

The Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley, further acknowledged the SSB’s generosity in a separate press engagement, commending their partnership in various development initiatives. His remarks reinforced the government’s appreciation for the SSB’s contribution to the island’s progress and highlighted the importance of such public-private partnerships in advancing national development goals. This donation, therefore, represents not just a significant investment in healthcare, but also a symbol of the collaborative efforts between government agencies and the private sector to improve the lives of Nevisians. The equipment will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the quality of healthcare provided on the island, benefiting both patients and healthcare professionals alike.