Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer says the Ministry is even more determined in its bid to achieve the national and international health priorities after discussions during the recent retreat involving officials of the Health Ministry, its agencies and Regional Health Authorities.

The Retreat which was held under the theme: “Positioning for Growth – the National Agenda” had as its objectives ensuring that participants have a clear knowledge of the Health Ministry’s priorities and that they know the status of these priorities. It also sought to define the way forward for the Ministry.

“We had a successful retreat as I believe that we are now all on the same page where the direction of the health care sector is concerned. We saw several positive things happening across the regions and in the Ministry. We plan to build on those as well as put in place other initiatives to improve as many areas as we can. We know resources are limited but that will not stop us from moving forwarding in the best and most efficient way possible,” he said.

During the three days participants reviewed the status of the health of the nation, explored ways to strengthen health care delivery, discussed the restructuring of the Ministry and governance issues and consider ways to improve the management of the health sector.

Presentations included recommendations on reducing costs associated with the use of medical gases, medical waste management and improving ambulatory and transport services.

The group also looked at issues involving primary health care renewal, health promotion, human resources in health, health information system and disaster preparedness & emergency management among others.

The Retreat ran from June 30 until Friday, July 2, 2010.

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