Saint Vincent and the Grenadines comprises three small islands and cays in the Caribbean and has a population of 104,300 people.[1] The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is responsible for managing the health system, which is an amalgam of the public and private health sectors. Standard user fees are applied to a basket of services, although these fees are waived for people under 18 or over 60 years of age. The National Insurance Act, introduced in 1986, established the National Insurance Services, initially offering limited health benefits that were extended to sickness and maternity in 1994.
Health financing relies largely on public funds and OOP
The way forwards
The government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is focusing on financing primary health care to ensure health care for the population. There is also acknowledgement of the importance of health determinants with investments in education, training and policies. A public expenditure review is planned to provide the foundation for improving public spending on health and strengthening financial protection. Furthermore, a draft of the National Health Policy (2023–2030) is the basis of ongoing consultations. The policy aims to guide future strategic and operational planning at all levels of the national health system.
[1] World Health Organization, Global Health Expenditure Database, Indicators and Data (choose country)
[2] World Health Organization, Global Health Expenditure Database, Health Expenditure Profile (choose country)