St. Lucia launches universal health coverage push amid rising healthcare costs

Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre says healthcare in Saint Lucia remains “extremely expensive” as the island rolls out a new initiative aimed at building a modern, accessible and sustainable healthcare system.

Speaking at the launch of the St. Lucia Universal Health Coverage (SLUHC) “Bon Santé Pou Tout” initiative, Pierre revealed that the government spent an estimated EC$200 million on healthcare last year. As officials prepare the national budget, two hospitals have already requested additional funding totalling more than EC$70 million.

The prime minister said the Health and Citizen Security Levy is expected to generate about EC$45 million this year. Introduced in August 2023, the 2.5 per cent levy applies to imported goods and selected VAT-registered services, with exemptions for basic food items, pharmaceuticals and certain other services.

“That is direct taxation, the health and security levy will bring to this country,” Pierre said, noting that the projected revenue still falls short of what one hospital alone requested in additional funding this year.

He stressed that while healthcare on the island is largely subsidised, it remains costly to maintain. “Health care is expensive and I can tell you I believe that health care in St. Lucia is 90 per cent free,” Pierre said, adding that the government is working to make services more affordable, equitable and accessible through universal health coverage.

Pierre said the initiative is only in its early stages but pledged that the government will commit resources within fiscal constraints. He also disclosed that the state is owed nearly EC$200 million in unpaid taxes, warning that improved tax compliance is essential to sustaining public services. Citizens, he added, must “pay their fair share of taxes so everyone can benefit.”

The prime minister also urged residents to take greater personal responsibility for their health by maintaining healthy diets and exercising regularly.

Health Minister Moses Jn Baptiste confirmed that the government is moving to establish a Universal Health Coverage Authority, signalling progress on long-delayed plans. Draft legislation is already being finalised with the assistance of the Attorney General’s Chambers and other stakeholders before being presented to Cabinet and eventually Parliament.

Jn Baptiste acknowledged frustration among healthcare workers who have seen previous administrations promise comprehensive coverage without delivering. “We are going to put a stop to the tiredness. We will go to Parliament… It’s not going to be easy,” he said.

SLUHC Director Alisha Eugene-Ford reported that since the programme’s rollout in 2022, thousands of citizens have benefited from free services. These include antenatal care for more than 3,400 pregnant women, cervical cancer screenings for over 5,500 women and men’s health consultations for more than 1,600 patients.

Additional initiatives have also provided breast cancer screenings, snakebite treatment and other critical interventions as the government advances its goal of universal health coverage for all citizens.