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Grenada is located in the Caribbean and is known as the 'Spice Island' as it is one the world's main nutmeg producers. The Grenadian economy has been one the fastest-growing in the Caribbean driven by a boom in construction to meet the demands of the tourism industry. Grenada has been saddled with a significant government debt due to the money it had to borrow to rebuild the country after a hurricane in 2004, which damaged 90% of the country's infrastructure and agricultural crops.
The Grenadian healthcare system is one the best in the Caribbean region, although it is still limited in the medical care it can deliver to patients. Over recent years, Grenada has placed much emphasis on primary healthcare and preventative measures in order to to keep the population healthy, and to try and minimize increasing healthcare costs.
Grenadian citizens have access to public healthcare services irrespective of their ability to pay. The healthcare system in Grenada provides its citizens with adequate care, but it is limited in advanced medical treatment. Grenada has a high poverty rate - although this has declined slightly since the construction and tourism boom. The access to free healthcare is essential for vulnerable Grenadian citizens. Children, the elderly and the indigent citizens of Grenada are exempt from all public medical costs when seeking healthcare services. The working population in Grenada are required to join the government implemented national insurance scheme, making regular contributions through deductions from wages.
The Grenada healthcare system has developed over the years, with key health indicators such as average life expectancy increasing and a fall in communicable diseases. These factors illustrate that the Grenada health sector has taken positive steps to improve the health of the population. The reduction in diseases and the protection and promotion of health is part of Grenada’s National Strategic Plan for Health, which is geared towards improving and maintaining the health of Grenadian citizens, with the long term goal of strengthening the workforce and the economy of the country.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Grenada is responsible for overseeing the healthcare sector in the country. Playing a steering role, the MoH’s main duty is to formulate and implement healthcare policies and handle the financing of the Grenadian healthcare system. The Grenadian MoH goals are to enhance the quality of life and improve the health status of the citizens of Grenada. The functional healthcare services departments in Grenada fall under the responsibility of the MoH. The Community Health Services (CHS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring quality primary healthcare services in Grenada. The CHS duties are to oversee dental care, pharmacy, mental health, doctor’s clinics, environmental health, community nursing and health promotion. The Environmental Health Department is entrusted with the monitoring and control of public health issues, such as water quality and the handling and evaluation of the spread of infectious diseases and general health issues.
The government will allocate funds annually for the MoH to use in resourcing the healthcare system in Grenada. Revenue is also generated through user-fees covering patients using private wards or rooms and for diagnostic services. The Grenadian government provides approximately 12% of the country's yearly budget towards the healthcare sector, with hospital costs accounting for roughly 40% of all Grenadian healthcare expenditure.
The Grenadian health policy strives to ensure all Grenadians citizens have access to quality healthcare services. Primary healthcare plays a major role in the Grenadian healthcare system with a strong focus on health services to ensure improvements in basic health standards. Over time Grenada has developed its healthcare system to provide essential healthcare to the entire population. Key parts of the Grenadian health sector development were to improve access to clean drinking water, to increase health awareness and to ensure adequate distribution of medications. The services have been provided with a guarantee to Grenadian citizens that healthcare would be delivered regardless of the ability to pay.
The MoH network of state funded hospitals in Grenada consists of the General Hospital in the capital St. George, with 240 beds and two rural hospitals - the Princess Royal with 40 beds and the Princess Alice in Carriacou with 56 beds; all three hospitals are designated as acute healthcare providers.
The General Hospital is a referral hospital providing in-patient and out-patient care, 24-hour emergency care, surgical, specialist medical treatment and a range of general medical care for patients in Grenada. There is also a private ward dedicated for patients with the ability to pay, which has its own private bathroom, cable TV, telephone and air conditioning; revenue generated is being used to help fund future healthcare services.
St Augustine's Medical Services (SAMS) is a privately operated healthcare facility located near the capital St. George's; it is affiliated with a tertiary care provider in Trinidad. SAMS provides an in-patient center for medical, surgical, emergency and maternity admissions. The facility is medically equipped for trauma patients, including major and minor surgical procedures. There are 9 in-patient rooms, some being private with others semi-private. SAMS can also assist with patient transfers via air ambulatory services across the Caribbean region and the USA to healthcare facilities, which are more medically advanced if this level of treatment is necessary.
Although Grenada's private healthcare sector is a relatively small provider it has developed in recent years, with a prospect for expansion. Demand for private healthcare in Grenada is expected to increase as the economic situation improves and the tourism industry expands in the country.
Mosquito-borne dengue fever is common in the Caribbean region and outbreaks can occur in Grenada throughout the year. Humans contract dengue fever when bitten by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine against dengue fever and visitors to Grenada are advised to take steps to protect themselves against mosquitoes. It is recommended that before visiting Grenada a consultation with a doctor for medical advice and for up-to-date information of current health issues affecting the country.
The Grenadian healthcare system is restricted in the medical treatment it can provide for patients. In cases of medical emergency, and prolonged medical treatment, a patient is most likely to require air ambulance services to a country with a healthcare facility of excellence. It is, therefore, essential for international visitors to take-out Grenadian international health insurance which includes air ambulatory and medical repatriation services.
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If you are looking for peace-of-mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness, to yourself and your family, while traveling to or residing in Grenada, international health insurance plans will be the ideal solution. Policies can be tailor-made to ensure all your needs are met while in Grenada. Should you require further information on Grenada, global medical insurance, or to receive a free quotation, please do not hesitate to call one of our expert advisers now. |
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