Last Updated on June 6, 2024, 5:34 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Basseterre, St. Kitts: PM Dr. Terrance Drew and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has introduced a new high-speed ICT network for the healthcare system, marking a critical step in the digitization of the public health sector.
The new network project, carried out by St. Kitts-Nevis Communications Ltd. (The Cable), falls under the St. Kitts and Nevis Health Services ICT Project and is funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF) of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC).
The project was officially presented to the Ministry of Health during a ceremony held on Tuesday, June 5, 2024, at the JNF General Hospital conference room.
Minister of Health Dr. Terrance Drew stated that this project has propelled our health sector into a new era of technical advancement, which will lead to further progress in our healthcare delivery.
“You would recognize that people sometimes get sub-optimal care because the access to ready information for them to make those critical decisions to impact positively on people’s health could be missing, so we need to fill that gap. That is where the technology helps us significantly,” said PM Drew.
This significant project, which will help modernize healthcare services in the Federation, consists of two components.
One is to supply, install, and commission a Wide-Area Network (WAN) between the Joseph N. France General and the other 17 health facilities and train persons who will be involved in the network’s operations; the other is to provide internet access for a five-year period.
The ceremony concluded with a live demonstration of the ICT network’s capabilities as a health practitioner at the Cayon Health Centre, connected live via video conference with a doctor at the JNF General Hospital to assist in diagnosing a patient.
Chief Executive Officer of the Cable, Patricia Walters, noted that the video conference capability is just one aspect of the system. “All patients, regardless of location, can now receive the best possible care,” she added.
CEO Walters also shared future goals for this project that include secure patient digital reports and multi-specialist consultations.
PM Terrance Drew also extended his gratitude to NTRC, The Cable, and the Ministry Of Health towards the end of the conference.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
