[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines comprises three small islands and cays in the Caribbean and has a population of 104,300 people.[1]<\/a><\/sup> The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment <\/a>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<\/a>, introduced in 1986, established the National Insurance Services<\/a>, initially offering limited health benefits that were extended to sickness and maternity in 1994.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][ba_gradient_heading title=”Health financing relies largely on public funds and OOP” html_tag=”h3″ primary_color=”#455A64″ secondary_color=”#455A64″ admin_label=”HEADING (50-60 characters)” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” title_font_size=”26px” title_line_height=”1em” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/ba_gradient_heading][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 2 ” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 2021, public expenditure on health in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines accounted for 3.63% of GDP<\/a>, below the 6% recommended by the Pan American Health Organization. However, government general health expenditure (GGHE) is the largest part of health financing, comprising 67.7% of current health expenditure (CHE) in 2021.[2]<\/a><\/sup> That same year, out-of- pocket spending comprised 26.2% of CHE, and GGHE made up 9.6% of general government expenditure, reflecting the priority given to health.[1]<\/a><\/sup>[\/et_pb_text][ba_gradient_heading title=”The way forwards” html_tag=”h3″ primary_color=”#455A64″ secondary_color=”#455A64″ admin_label=” HEADING (50-60 characters)” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” title_font_size=”26px” title_line_height=”1em” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/ba_gradient_heading][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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<\/a> 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\u20132030)<\/a> is the basis of ongoing consultations. The policy aims to guide future strategic and operational planning at all levels of the national health system.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 9 – Footnotes” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”13px” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”a{color:#4c7e96 }” global_colors_info=”{}”]References<\/strong><\/p>\n [1]<\/span> World Health Organization, Global Health Expenditure Database, Indicators and Data<\/a> (choose country) <\/span><\/p>\n