St Kitts and Nevis has a fairly efficient primary health care system, with community clinics providing health care services to citizens at no cost; the services offered include screening for cervical cancer, family planning, and obstetrics and gynaecological care. Secondary health care services are usually provided at low cost and are free for children and the elderly. As of 2010, work place health screening programmes were being implemented across the islands. At the time of writing, the government of St Kitts and Nevis was heavily involved in reforms to move the country towards universal health coverage. In July 2014 a National Consultation on Universal Health Coverage was convened, organised by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). PAHO observed that St Kitts and Nevis had made great moves towards universal health coverage at the primary and secondary levels, and that the political will exists in the country to move this further. The issue at present is with expanding universal health coverage to bridge gaps in administration and access to post-secondary services – lack of funding is a significant issue here. St Kitts and Nevis is not a signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the covenant that commits signees to ensuring ‘the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’. S t K i t t s a n d Ne v i s Care of the elderly: There are social security measures in place to provide for those senior citizens who have contributed to the state social security fund. There are two types of old-age benefits available to those over the age of 62. The Age Grant is a lump sum payment, paid when a claimant fails to qualify for an Age Pension. The Age Pension is a monthly payment that is made to a person who has made the required number of contributions to the Social Security Fund and has reached the age of 62. Overall, public pension spending is equivalent to 2.6 per cent of the country’s total economic output (2006). The PAHO 2007/08 Country Poverty Assessment Report for St Kitts and Nevis indicated that older persons were generally concerned about money, food, health care and medication, and adequate housing with amenities, respect, companionship and independence. At the time of writing, elderly citizens were entitled to free primary and secondary health care services. Additionally, the department of social assistance provides poor-relief cheques and food vouchers to indigent older persons. In 2009 there were four residential homes on the islands, three private and one public, residents included persons with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Further information Ministry of Health, Social Services, Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs: www.sknis.info Commonwealth Health Online: www.commonwealth health.org/health/americas/st_kitts_and_nevis Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015 245
Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
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