Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two island country located in the Carribean, approximately 1,285 kilometers north of the South American continent. The country is comprised of two islands, the island of Saint Kitts and the island of Nevis, located 3.22 kilometers from each other. Saint Kitts and Nevis has a population of approximately 50,300 people and has a total land area of 261 square kilometers, with Saint Kitts comprising 168 square kilometers and Nevis comprising 93 square kilometers. Around 70 percent of the population lives on Saint Kitts, confined to the capital city Basseterre. Tourism is the largest industry in Saint Kitts and Nevis, followed by transportation, agriculture and manufacturing.

Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence in 1983, following a long history of conflict. Saint Kitts and Nevis was settled by the British in 1623 but suffered periods of fighting. It was later seceded by the island of Anguilla in 1971, before establishing peace in 1983.

Today, Saint Kitts and Nevis has achieved political stability and has strengthened its economy through its tourism sector. The healthcare system has improved since the country gained independence, with adequate access to primary health care services and hospital facilities. Water treatment and sanitation is considered adequate and safe in most areas of Saint Kitts and Nevis, reducing the burden of communicable diseases throughout the country.

However, Saint Kitts and Nevis experiences challenges that continue to weaken the nation’s economy and potential financial growth. Lack of education and job opportunities have increased emigration, resulting in an unskilled workforce which in turn has had the effect of limiting the healthcare services the country can provide. Lack of job opportunities have forced some St. Kitts and Nevis citizens to resort to drug trafficking, a problem which the Government has yet to resolve.

Hurricanes in Saint Kitts and Nevis have wiped out agriculture, property and infrastructure, placing a large burden on the country's economy. Hurricane season in Saint Kitts and Nevis typically occurs between the months of June to November, with severe storms occurring during the months of August to October. Major events include Hurricane Georgia in 1998, which accumulated around USD$458 million in damage. Buildings and infrastructure in Saint Kitts and Nevis have been destroyed and rebuilt over the years due to severe hurricanes. After hurricane Georgia, the Joseph N. France Hospital was severely damaged. Around 90 percent of the Joseph N. France General Hospital was unable to operate due to destruction of storage and sterile facilities. The country's effort to rebuild was later destroyed when hurricane Lenny swept through Saint Kitts and Nevis a year later in 1999.

There are limited doctors and modern medical equipment within Saint Kitts and Nevis. In the event of a serious illness or accident emergency evacuation will be required to provide the adequate level of medical care. Saint Kitts and Nevis does not have the equipment to perform CT scans, MRI scans and other specialized diagnostic tests. There are units for serious burn injuries in some of the healthcare facilities located within the country, however, complex surgery is not available; patients requiring open-heart surgery, orthopedics or brain surgery must travel overseas to Puerto Rico or Miami. There are no hyperbaric chambers available in Saint Kitts and Nevis for divers with decompression illness. Serious diving incidents are evacuated to Saba Island, located in the Netherlands Antilles, 8 kilometers from Saint Kitts, where the closest hyperbaric chamber is available. Expats living in Saint Kitts and Nevis are highly recommended to obtain a comprehensive health insurance plan that includes coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation, as well as medical services in Saint Kitts and Nevis and overseas in Puerto Rico and Miami.

There are three large hospitals in Saint Kitts including the Joseph N. France General Hospital, Hospital Molineux, and the Pogson Hospital. There is one hospital in Nevis called the Alexandria Hospital. There are no private hospitals in Saint Kitts and Nevis, although there are some private doctors that work in private clinics in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The Joseph N. France General Hospital is the main referral hospital on Saint Kitts. It has the largest emergency and trauma department, with doctors and specialized surgeons available. The Joseph N. France General Hospital has basic diagnostic equipment including x-ray, laboratory, and blood supply. Dialysis equipment is also available. Staff are experienced in providing adequate emergency stabilizing services such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and insertion of intravenous (IV) lines. The Joseph N. France General Hospital hopes to improve its healthcare services by expanding its radiology unit, laboratory, surgery, medical records and administration.

The only hospital located within Nevis is the Alexandra Hospital. The Alexandria Hospital is not as advanced as the Joseph N. France General Hospital. It can provide basic emergency services including IV insertion and basic CPR. Surgery is limited to general procedures. Diagnostic services and laboratory are limited, and include X-rays and CAT scan. There are no blood supply services on Nevis, patients must travel to the Joseph N. France General Hospital located in Saint Kitts.

Due to the limited medical facilities available on Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Government has emphasized preventative health measures in the delivery of health care in the country. Government initiatives have allowed primary health care services affordable and easy to access by the entire population. Vaccinations and health screening services are free and available at nearby health care centers throughout Saint Kitts and Nevis. Charitable and government organizations provide health awareness to the community through fund raising events and mobile screening services in the public. Patients are referred to Joseph N. France General Hospital or the Alexandria Hospital where basic biopsies and diagnostic services are available.

Severe hurricanes are characterized by strong, violent winds that can exceed 119 kilometers per hour. Hurricanes can destroy buildings, particularly those located near the coast line. Injuries associated with hurricanes are usually as a result of flying debris. Expats need to know how to stay safe during a hurricane to reduce their risk of injury. An emergency evacuation kit should be prepared and made easily accessible. The kit should include emergency contact numbers, cash, first aid, medications, clothing, water and food supplies. It is important to listen to media for hurricane warnings and evacuation instructions. Safe areas of a house during a hurricane may include the bathroom and away from windows.

Communicable diseases are relatively controlled in Saint Kitts and Nevis, compared to other neighboring countries in the Caribbean. However, there are reports of Hepatitis A, dengue fever and bacterial infections, with occasional outbreaks occurring from time to time. Expats and resident should monitor the media for health warnings relating to outbreaks that may occur within Saint Kitts and Nevis, as well as neighboring countries in the Caribbean. The quality of water may not be potable outside urban areas, as such it is advised to drink bottled or sterilized water. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required prior to entering Saint Kitts and Nevis for those who have recently visited affected areas.

Expats and residents living in Saint Kitts and Nevis are highly recommended to adopt emergency protocols in the event of a hurricane, criminal event, or medical emergency.

For ambulance services in Saint Kitts and Nevis dial 9-1-1.

Local police services can be contacted on 465-2241 in Saint Kitts, and 469-5391 in Nevis .

Local fire services can be contacted on 465-2515 in Saint Kitts, and 469-3444 in Nevis.

The contact number for the Joseph N. France General Hospital, located in Saint Kitts, is 465-2551.

The contact number for the Alexandra Hospital, located on Nevis, is 469-5473.

 

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