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by pltm
(PLTM) - In an effort to improve the services delivered to elderly citizens, the Government has increased the allocation of funding in this year’s budget to ensure that more seniors can be assisted with their daily care, in the comfort of their own homes.
This is according to Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Carvin Malone.
Malone said in a statement today, Friday, June 14, said that plans are also afoot to increase the number of beds available for residential care through a programme of expansion of the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly to a section of the old Peebles Hospital building. This is part of the ‘100-days in office’ promises.
The Minister said improving the delivery of health services also remains high on the agenda as demonstrated through the recent refurbishment of the Imaging Suite at the hospital, which now boasts the only digital mammography machine in the Territory, together with a CT Scanner, MRI, General Radiology and Ultrasound imaging capabilities.
He noted too that a comprehensive review of the National Health Insurance System is also underway to ensure that the goal of universal access to healthcare can be achieved in a fair and sustainable manner.
“Looking ahead, we continue to rebuild the health and social infrastructure through ongoing repairs to clinics, community centres and other critical facilities; and look forward to the handover of the new Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre within the coming weeks,” he added.
Another area of high priority for the Minister is repairing more hurricane-damaged homes. To address this, Malone said Government has redesigned the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme to optimise the use of available funding to assist a maximum number of families to carry out essential home repairs.
And in keeping with its promise to make the BVI clean and green, Government is looking to tackle the challenging issue of waste and debris management. The Minister disclosed that some noteworthy initiatives in this area include the crafting of a revised Waste Management Strategy.
Arrangements are also being made to have the Cox Heath debris management site restored and the exportation of remaining derelict vehicles and other scrap metals. Plans are also being made to award contracts for the immediate repairs to the incinerator plant.
“And signing an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Green VI to work with the community to scale up waste reduction and recycling throughout the Territory,” he stated.
These important projects, he said, underpinned by a robust policy agenda that promotes inclusiveness and investment in people as BVI’s greatest resource, will set the islands on a brighter path.
“Progress will not be met without challenges but together, the Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to restoring hope and prosperity to all, while promoting a greener, healthier and safer Virgin Islands.”
