LAMAT 2025 a ‘Tremendous Accomplishment’ for St. Kitts and Nevis, Says Prime Minister Drew

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, April 04, 2025 (PMO) — Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, has hailed the 2025 Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) Medical Mission as a “tremendous accomplishment” for the Federation, describing the impact as both “vast and deeply personal” during his closing remarks at the official closing ceremony held today, April 4.

Over the course of two weeks, the mission brought together healthcare professionals from the United States Air Force, the United States Southern Command, and the Republic of China (Taiwan), working alongside local health teams across St. Kitts and Nevis to deliver vital medical services. 

Notably, more than 2,130 patients received medical attention—an increase of over 64% from last year’s mission. Over 135 surgeries were performed, and 21 critical pieces of medical equipment were repaired, yielding cost savings of nearly US $15,000, as detailed by the Prime Minister.

In light of these results, Dr. Drew praised the cross-border collaboration, emphasizing that, “this mission is not an act of charity, it is a symbol of solidarity. It reflects our shared understanding that the health of one nation strengthens the resilience of our entire region.”

A range of specialized services were also delivered throughout the mission. A team of five audiologists conducted 515 hearing assessments and changed the lives of 168 individuals—many between the ages of 40 and 70—by fitting them with hearing aids. “Imagine the gift of sound being restored to someone who had grown accustomed to silence,” Dr. Drew reflected, going on to note the long-term benefit of the mission through capacity building, stating, “Thanks to the training provided, our local nurses are empowered to ensure this service continues long after the mission ends.”

LAMAT’s dental team, comprising six professionals, including pediatric and maxillofacial specialists, treated 276 patients and provided local dentists with training in Basic and Advanced Life Support—skills that are expected to elevate the standard of care across the nation.

Additional services provided included pediatric care to 108 children and nutrition counseling for 93 patients, with interventions taking place in health centers, hospital wards, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s School Meals Program. The LAMAT team also facilitated more than 31 hours of in-service training for emergency, surgical, and ICU teams, ensuring that knowledge and skills remain within the local healthcare system well beyond the mission’s end.

The mission also extended into the community through the Newtown Community Health Fair, where 117 patients were seen over two days. To this, the Prime Minister stressed that “health begins not in hospitals but in communities”.

Looking ahead with optimism and pride, Prime Minister Drew affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening these partnerships, and advance the scope of health services accross the Federation.

End