The 39th OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (PPS) Policy Board Meeting and the 12th Council of OECS Health Ministers got underway here Monday evening.
The meetings were marked by an official opening ceremony at the Montserrat Cultural Centre in Little Bay.
Governor her Excellency Harriet Cross, Deputy Govenor Lindora Sweeney, Premier the Honourable Rueben T Meade, Members of Government, other Government officials as well as health leaders and policymakers from across the region were present at the opening.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister for Health Dr the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge highlighted Montserrat’s healthcare transformation and the importance of regional partnerships in improving access to specialist care and emergency medical services.
She said the island’s healthcare system has made significant progress, with improvements in diagnostic services, digital healthcare and plans for a new hospital.
Honourable Buffonge said regional partnerships are critical for Montserrat, particularly in ensuring patients can access specialist care and emergency treatment that are not available on the island.
She called for further progress in telemedicine, regional patient referral arrangements and more affordable transportation between islands.
The Council of Health Ministers is being held on October 28th and 29th under the theme, “Learning from Resilience, Leading Through Partnership and Building Healthier Futures Together.