Ministry of Health Denounces Baseless Claims Regarding JNF General Hospital

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, August 20, 2024 [Ministry of Health] – The Ministry of Health strongly condemns the recent claims alleging that the JNF General Hospital is “infested by rats.” These accusations are both baseless and misleading, aimed at creating unwarranted fear and distrust in our primary healthcare institution. The video being circulated lacks any credible evidence of its date or time, raising serious doubts about its authenticity. It is highly plausible that this footage was taken years ago and is now being used maliciously to undermine public confidence in our healthcare system.

Over the past two years, the Ministry of Health has undertaken significant measures to address the disrepair in which the JNF General Hospital was found. These efforts include:

The entrance to the JNF General Hospital has been completely transformed into a modern, calming, and aesthetically pleasing space. This project has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from both patients and visitors, reflecting our commitment to enhancing the patient experience.

These and other fixes and upgrades were done through the public-private partnership and with the trust of the members of our corporate community, who believe in our vision and have trusted us over the years to make the right decisions in advancing healthcare in the federation.

Also, we are reminded of our fruitful partnership with the Republic of China (Taiwan), where extensive repairs have been made to the hospital’s roof. Many existing structures, long neglected, have been treated and updated, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for patients and staff alike.

The Ministry has invested substantially in cutting-edge medical tools, significantly improving the range of specialist care available at JNF General Hospital. This includes the acquisition of a new surgical eye laser, which has successfully cleared a more than two-year-old backlog of cases at the eye clinic. Additionally, the hospital now boasts new CT and MRI machines, additional hemodialysis and anesthesia machines, a new EEG machine, and many other advanced tools crucial for delivering high-quality healthcare.

These efforts are part of a broader initiative to transform the JNF General Hospital into a leading healthcare facility in the region. We urge the public not to be swayed by bad actors and political entities who are attempting to sow seeds of distrust in the only healthcare system we have. Instead, we invite all citizens to join us in our ongoing efforts to improve and modernize our healthcare services.