Saint Lucia to Receive Joint U.S.-Taiwanese Medical and Surgical Mission

A Collaborative Medical Mission to Enhance Healthcare in Saint Lucia

The island nation of Saint Lucia is poised to benefit from a comprehensive medical and surgical mission, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs, the United States Military Medical Mission Lesser Antilles Medical Team (LAMAT), and the Republic of China (Taiwan). Scheduled for February 24 to March 7, 2025, the mission aims to provide essential healthcare services, bolster local medical expertise, and foster collaboration between visiting and local healthcare professionals.

This multifaceted mission will deploy a diverse team of medical specialists, including vascular and general surgeons, cardiologists, dental professionals, anesthesiologists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare personnel. These specialists will bring with them essential medical equipment, medications, and supplies to support their work. Surgical procedures will be conducted at the Owen King European Union (OKEU) Hospital and Saint Jude Hospital, two of the island’s main healthcare facilities. Specialized cardiology and dental services will be offered at OKEU, while dental clinics will also be set up at wellness centers in Anse La Raye and La Clery, extending the reach of the mission to more communities.

Beyond the immediate provision of medical care, the mission places a strong emphasis on capacity building within Saint Lucia’s health sector. Training sessions for local medical officers will focus on emergency and advanced trauma management, crucial skills for responding to critical situations. The mission will also facilitate collaboration between specialists from OKEU and Saint Jude Hospital with the visiting experts, fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing the skills of local healthcare teams. This collaborative approach aims to improve patient outcomes in the long term by strengthening the foundation of Saint Lucia’s healthcare system.

To ensure that residents across Saint Lucia have access to the services offered, a structured registration process has been put in place. Registration for cardiology interventions will be open from February 3 to February 18, 2025, at various locations including wellness centers, polyclinics, community hospitals, and private practices. Registration for dental services will be available at local dental clinics from February 3 to February 21, 2025. This proactive approach to registration aims to streamline the process and ensure that the mission reaches those who need it most.

The Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring continuity of care for all patients participating in the mission. All visiting medical staff have undergone thorough vetting in accordance with local legal requirements, and local health practitioners will work alongside the visiting teams to provide necessary follow-up care. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, not just during the mission, but also in the weeks and months following the interventions.

In addition to providing direct medical services and training, the mission will also include a health fair in Dennery, scheduled for March 5 and 6, 2025. This public health outreach event will further extend the mission’s impact, offering community members access to health information, screenings, and other resources. Details about the health fair will be shared closer to the date of the event. This combined effort of medical services, capacity building, and community outreach reflects a holistic approach to strengthening Saint Lucia’s healthcare landscape.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs expresses sincere gratitude to the United States Military, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and all local and international partners whose contributions are making this mission possible. This collaborative undertaking represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of the people of Saint Lucia. By leveraging expertise from international partners and empowering local healthcare professionals, the mission aims to address critical health needs, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to a more robust and resilient health system for Saint Lucia. The mission underscores the importance of international cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing global health challenges and building stronger, healthier communities.