Project Implementation Unit, MOH - Saint Lucia

03/05/2024

The community of Bouton in Soufriere recently benefited from a screening activity. The activity provided an opportunity to access the services of the Performance-Based Financing (PBF).

02/05/2024

The Emmanuel SDA Church in Mon Repos recently hosted a health fair and the team from Project Implementation Unit took the opportunity to participate, share information about the Performance-Based Financing (PBF) and also provide these services to the congregation and residents in the community.

30/04/2024

Performance-Based Financing (PBF) Pilot Program recently participated in an activity at the Constitution Park in Castries for Vaccination Week.

24/04/2024

Request for Expressions of Interest - Consultancy for Development of a Registration Policy for Universal Health Coverage

SAINT LUCIA HEALTH SYSTEM STRENGTHENING PROJECT
Credit No.: IDA Credit # 63160-LC

Assignment Title: Consultancy for Development of a Registration Policy for Universal Health Coverage

Reference No. 101/CS /CQS/HSSP/RP_UHC

The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has obtained financing from the World Bank (WB) for the Health System Strengthening Project (HSSP) to support the Government of Saint Lucia's initiative to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness of health service delivery.

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) represents the government's commitment to enhancing the accessibility of essential healthcare services to its populace, ensuring fairness in distribution, and establishing sustainable funding mechanisms for these services. Recognizing the significance of UHC, the GOSL has been proactive in laying the groundwork for its implementation. Central to this effort is the establishment of a robust Registration Policy for UHC tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of the island's population. This policy is essential as it serves as the cornerstone for identifying and enrolling individuals into the UHC system, thus ensuring that every citizen can benefit from comprehensive healthcare coverage. This Policy aims to establish a comprehensive registration system that not only captures basic demographic information but also considers factors such as vulnerability, employment status, and dependencies, which are essential for equitable resource allocation and effective healthcare planning for all citizens.

The Policy shall ensure use of unique population identification in all healthcare domains, at least:
• Healthcare financing (population registration that ensures its connection to institutionalizing the Performance Based Financing (PBF), Phase I of the HFPS’ national implementation of PHC per capita payment system, and other health/social insurance, payment and budgeting mechanisms).
• Health service delivery (primary care and community care systems, hospital systems, pharmaceutical systems, patient portals, e-prescribing, e-referrals, laboratory information system (LIS), radiology information system (RIS), etc.).
• Self-managing care (online patient networks, mobile apps for medication adherence, medical wearables, mobile health apps, online symptom checkers and assessment tools, online service directories, etc.).
• Public health and health data analytics (public health statistics; health data warehouses and BI analysis; epidemiological surveillance; non-communicable disease registries; international health reporting/monitoring; quarantine management; epidemic containment surveillance; health education; etc.).
• Governance (annual budgeting and planning; monitoring budget utilization; procurement monitoring; supplier performance monitoring; contract management; monitoring compliance with health laws and standards; health program development; service quality monitoring; emergency response monitoring; international health cooperation; etc.).

The primary objective of this consultancy is to facilitate the development of a Registration Policy for UHC that aligns with the unique context and needs of Saint Lucia, supporting the successful implementation of UHC. This policy will guide the registration processes, links to financing and provision of health services, data management, and privacy protocols to ensure an inclusive and efficient healthcare system.

Specific objectives include:

• Tailored Policy Creation: Actively engage and facilitate development of a Registration Policy for UHC, specifically tailored to the unique context and requirements of Saint Lucia.
• Population-based and Patient-Centric Approach: Place people and patients at the forefront, ensuring the policy aligns with patient needs and enhances their experience within the healthcare system.
• Direct link to health financing: Enable policy and operations of health purchasing and provider payment systems as well as public finance management (PFM) including accounting and auditing.
• Local Landscape Synchronization: Ensure the policy is in sync with the local healthcare landscape and addresses specific challenges and needs in Saint Lucia.
• Unified Identification Methods: Address the issue of patients having multiple forms of IDs (driver's license, National ID Card, passport) and streamline this for easier healthcare access.
• Directive Role in Healthcare: The policy will guide registration procedures, healthcare data management, and establish robust privacy protocols.
• Actionable Activities for Healthcare Providers: Provide clear actions to modify business rules and operating procedures among healthcare providers at both primary and secondary levels.
• Inclusive and Efficient Healthcare System: Aim to create an inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes efficiency and is responsive to the diverse needs of all patients.
• Respect for Individual Patient Journeys: Respect and cater to the individual needs of every patient throughout their journey of care at all healthcare levels.
• Enhancing UHC Implementation: Contribute significantly to the seamless implementation of Universal Healthcare (UHC) in Saint Lucia, making it more effective and patient friendly.

The assignment is expected to be completed by 31 October, 2024.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website; www.govt.lc/consultancies or www.finance.gov.lc or can be obtained at the address given below.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs now invites interested and eligible Consulting Firms to provide an Expression of Interest demonstrating the following qualifications and experience required to perform the Services: Interested Firms should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services; (Curriculum Vitae, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, clients’ references etc.).

Required Skills, Experience and Qualification

A. For the firm
i. Minimum of 7 years of proven experience in policy development in the healthcare sector. -30%
ii. Experience in developing registration policies or similar documents for healthcare systems or public services. – 30%
iii. In-depth knowledge of healthcare policies, regulations and systems both nationally and internationally. – 20%
iv. Knowledge of principles and practices of Universal Health Coverage. – 20%

The firm shall have a team leader and at least the following members with the following qualifications: Information relating to the key expertise can be found in the Terms of Reference (TOR).

Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

The Consulting firm will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualification Selection (CQS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office 8:00 a.m-4:30 p.m. (0800 to 1630 hours).

Expressions of Interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, by mail, or by e-mail) by May 8, 2024. Submissions shall be clearly marked “Expression of Interest – “Consultancy for Development of a Registration Policy for Universal Health Coverage”

Project Implementation Unit
Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs
1st Floor Sureline Building
Vide Boutielle
Castries
Saint Lucia
Tel: 1-758-468-6438/468-6436
E-mail: [email protected]

15/04/2024

Request for Bids - Procurement of Ophthalmology Equipment (Lot 1) - Digital Ophthalmic Surgical Microscope

Contract Title: Procurement of Ophthalmology Equipment (Lot 1) - Digital Ophthalmic Surgical Microscope
Reference No.: RFB No. SLU_HSSP_DIGI_MICRO_RFB

1. The Government of Saint Lucia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Health System Strengthening Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for the Procurement of Eye Lasers.

2. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs now invites bids from eligible bidders for the supply of one (1) Digital Ophthalmic Surgical Microscope within two (2) – three (3) months. Margin Preferences shall not apply.

3. Bidding will be conducted through open national competitive procurement using a Request for Bids (RFB) as specified in the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), and is open to all eligible Bidders as defined in the Procurement Regulations.

4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Project Implementation Unit, Project Coordinator, [email protected] and inspect the bidding document during office hours 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday at the address 1 below:
Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs
1st Floor Sureline Building
Vide Boutielle
Castries
Saint Lucia.

5. A complete set of bidding documents in English will be sent by email to interested Bidders upon the submission of their written applications to [email protected] address quoting RFB No. SLU_HSSP_DIGI_MICRO_RFB and include Bidder’s e-mail address and other contact details.

6. Bids must be delivered to the Central Public Procurement Board at address 2 given below on or before 9:00 a.m. (Saint Lucia time) on May 22, 2024. Electronic Bidding shall be permitted.

Late Bids will be rejected. Bids will be publicly opened at 10:00 a.m. (Saint Lucia time) on May 22, 2024 in the presence of the Bidders’ designated representatives and anyone who chooses to attend at address 1 below or using conference facilities, address 3 as specified below.

7. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid-Securing Declaration.

8. The addresses referred to above are:
Address 1: For obtaining information on bidding documents
Project Coordinator
Project Implementation Unit
Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs
1st Floor, Sureline Building
Vide Bouteille
Castries
Email: [email protected]

Address 2: For submission of bids through Government of Saint Lucia Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) System – Suppliers Portal
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/goslprocurement

or

The Chairperson
Central Public Procurement Board
4th Floor Financial Administrative Centre
Point Seraphine,
Castries
Saint Lucia

Address 3: For attending bid opening using conferencing facilities:
The procedure of bid opening will be shown via “Zoom” Video Communication without screen sharing but reading out loud the information as in any normal bid opening. The Purchaser will send the “Zoom” meeting link to all bidders.

Central Public Procurement Board
5th Floor Financial Administrative Centre
Point Seraphine,
Castries
Saint Lucia

In-Tend e-Procurement Solutions - delivering eTendering, contracts management, tender notification service and e-Auction tools to the public sector.

10/04/2024

The Ministry of Health, St. Lucia Bureau of Standards and the Audit Department recently signed a tripartite agreement for counter verification for the PBF Pilot Project.

This agreement will allow for the checking of quantity and quality of the data presented by the Ministry of Health for the PBF Pilot Project to measure the quality of care provided and to determine the amounts paid for incentives and benefits. This will help to ensure that the data presented by the Ministry of Health is similar to the data found by the two agencies (St. Lucia Bureau of Standards and the Audit Department) upon their assessment.

This agreement remains effective throughout the lifespan of the PBF Pilot Project.

09/04/2024

The first part of the Quality Improvement Training with the Regional Public Health Supervisors, Community Health Nurses of the PBF Participating Facilities and the Quality Assurance team of the Ministry was undertaken for a week. This part of the training focused on the use of quality improvement methods to support and improve the processes and outcomes of Diabetes and Hypertension screening and treatment at the primary health care facilities.

08/04/2024

Etangs Wellness Centre, Fond St. Jacques Wellness Centre, Mongouge Wellness Centre and Delcer Wellness Centre welcomed the team from the Project Implementation Unit who engaged and provided them with information on the Operational Manual and Management Agreement of the PBF Pilot Program.

It was a very interactive and engaging session which included questions and answers as well.

08/04/2024

As the La Fargue Wellness Centre continues to ensure that residents in the community are educated on the prevalence of Diabetes and Hypertension in Saint Lucia and the need to get screened and treated, the Wellness Centre recently held a walk and screening activity. The walk which started from the Debreuil Junction ended at the Sabwisha Beach were screening services and health education was provided to participants.

07/04/2024

Let us join in celebrating "World Health Day" today April 7th under the theme, "My health, My right."

According to the World Health Organisation,this year's theme was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions and freedom from discrimination.

05/04/2024

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs recently signed a contract with an international Quality Improvement (QI) consultant with the overall goal of providing advanced training to Regional Public Health Nursing Supervisors, Community Health Nurses of participating PBF facilities and the Quality Assurance team of the ministry on the use of quality improvement methods.

With this contract, the Quality Improvement Consultant will be providing training and mentorship to the team.

04/04/2024

Health Region 6 which comprised Phase 2 PBF participating facilities, that is Anse La Raye Wellness Centre, Canaries Wellness Centre and the Vanard Wellness Centre was next to benefit from the training on Operational Manual and Management Agreement of the PBF Pilot Program. The team welcomed the training and the knowledge acquired and look forward to implementing the PBF services at their facilities in the coming weeks.

04/04/2024

Residents in the community of Richfond, Dennery recently benefitted from a screening activity as part of observing World No Salt Day. The activity offered blood pressure and blood sugar checks, nutrition counselling, foot assessments, cholesterol testing, health education, to name a few.

19/03/2024

Professionals within the Ministry of Health departments benefit from Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping training which will help them with using the necessary GIS tools for health surveillance and crisis mapping.

18/03/2024

Desruisseaux Wellness Centre undertakes outreach activity at Aline's Place in Anse Ger, Desruisseaux as a means of getting individuals screened and treated for Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension under the PBF Pilot Program.

18/03/2024

The Performance-Based Financing (PBF) team from the Project Implementation Unit commences training on the Operational Manual and Management Agreement of PBF for facilities in Phase 2 of the PBF Pilot Program. The first group to benefit was Region 4.
PBF Programme Coordinator Nahum Jn Baptiste facilitated the training and ensured the team are well familiarized with the program and what offers and what expected of the facilities.

16/03/2024

Several departments within the Ministry of Health receive training to develop their Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capabilities which in turn will revolutionize the ways in which decisions are made to respond to outbreaks and disasters.

The OECS Regional Health Project recently hosted a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping training aimed at providing participants with knowledge on how to analyze and use GIS data to enhance decision making and response to emergencies.

GIS Consultant for the OECS Commission Tricia Melville spoke on the need to build the capacity of participants on GIS mapping as to ensure expanded use of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies.
“One of the main things is to ensure that the Geohub that is part of the OECS Regional Health Project, that persons are able to update data, download data and analyze data so that we can turn data into information for our health units. The training will start with an introduction of GIS and then we will go into how to utilize the Geohub to ensure everyone has access to it and how do we use the tools that are available. Geospatial tools available to analyze our information and to create maps and reports to ensure that we are able to perform our duties accordingly.”

Melville also emphasized on how the use of the Geohub and application of GIS tools are available for health surveillance and crisis mapping.

“The Geohub is part of the OECS Regional Health Project and it was launched to the member states so persons have access to upload their data and they can view data and there are different privileges in terms of accessing the site because we have to ensure that the data is safe and secure and persons may be able to view. But of course, our trainees are able to analyze the data and utilize the data to a higher level.”

Environmental Health Officer Glenda Etienne-Cepal said she was pleased to be part of this learning exercise and expressed hope to incorporate the knowledge acquired on Geohub and GIS mapping and monitoring in her day-to-day duties in her job.

“We are hoping that it can allow us to map and monitor trends among at-risk populations and with being able to do that, one of the things we expect to do is we will be able to allocate resources better, our decision making will be more informed and also so that we know what interventions that we can apply among those populations.”

The Capacity Building training in GIS mapping included the participation of Ministry of Health departments such as Environmental Health Division, Epidemiology Unit and Health Management Information Unit (HMIU) and Corporate Planning Unit.

07/03/2024

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - Development of a Strategic Plan for Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs

SAINT LUCIA HEALTH SYSTEM STRENGTHENING PROJECT
Credit No.: IDA Credit # 63160-LC

Assignment Title: Consultancy – Development of a Strategic Plan for Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs

Reference No. 100/CS-IC/HSSP/NSP

The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has obtained financing from the World Bank (WB) for the Health System Strengthening Project (HSSP) to support the Government of Saint Lucia's initiative to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness of health service delivery.

Saint Lucia is an upper-middle income country in the Caribbean with a population increasing at a slow rate by 0.73% to 182,279 inhabitants over 2017-2021. The health and wellbeing of a population is at the center of sustained socio-economic growth and development. With life expectancy high at 80.6 years for females and 70.4 years for males, the health sector has observed a decline in the fertility rate for the past few years which will intrinsically create a rising share of people over 65 years causing economic pressure on the workforce. When deaths are categorized into four principal causes, it is observed that Cancer, Cerebrovascular(stroke) Disease, Heart Disease, and Diabetes dominate. These non-communicable diseases signaled the need for greater primary health care interventions and strengthening of the health systems, both of which are advancing.

Objective of the Consultancy

The purpose of this assignment is to engage a consultant who will work closely with the Corporate Planning Unit in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs (MOHWEA) and other stakeholders to lead the process of and the development of a new strategic plan for the period 2024 – 2030.

Specific Tasks:

The Consultant will work in close collaboration with the staff of the MOHWEA, other governmental agencies, Ministries and other stakeholders to design, develop and facilitate a participatory and inclusive process for the strategic planning, ultimately resulting in a written strategic plan for the next five (5) years. The strategic plan will review the Medium-Term Development Strategy 2020-23 and the draft Medium Term Development Strategy 2021-26 to ensure synergies.

The Consultant will take the lead in evaluating existing systemic structures, policies, reports and other relevant documents, identifying gaps in the overall management and operations of the health sector, recommending/formulating relevant policy/regulations to address noted gaps. The Consultant will also be required to align the NHSP with other policy documents such as the UHC White Paper, Health Financing Policy, Digital Health Strategy and any other policy identified by the MOHWEA.

The assignment is expected to be completed by 31 October, 2024.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website; www.govt.lc/consultancies or www.finance.gov.lc or can be obtained at the address given below.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs now invites Eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services; (Curriculum Vitae, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, clients’ references etc.).

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

Required Qualifications

The Individual Consultant should possess:

• Master’s degree in health policy, health system strengthening, health services management or public health from a recognized University is essential; PhD is an asset – 20%
• The consultant should have at least ten (10) years’ experience in strategic planning in the health sector, including good understanding of M&E and communication aspects – 30%
• Performed similar high-complexity assignments in the last five years – 20%
• Strong professional track record in health policy development and implementation – 20%
• Strong oral and writing skills in English with a clear, straightforward writing style. Knowledge of creole would be an asset.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills for achieving consensus amongst multiple stakeholders to deliver a new strategy – 10%

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

A firm may propose an individual who will be evaluated on the basis of the individual’s qualifications, experience and competencies.

Expressions of Interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, by mail, or by e-mail) by March 20, 2024. Submissions shall be clearly marked:

“Expression of Interest – “Consultancy for Development of a Strategic Plan for Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office 8:00 a.m-4:30 p.m. (0800 to 1630 hours).

Project Implementation Unit
Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs
1st Floor Sureline Building
Vide Bouteille
Castries
Saint Lucia
Tel: 1-758-468-6438/468-6436
E-mail: [email protected]

Official Web Site of the Government of Saint Lucia

06/03/2024

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - Drafting of a Digital Health Policy and Strategy

SAINT LUCIA HEALTH SYSTEM STRENGTHENING PROJECT
Credit No.: IDA Credit # 63160-LC

Assignment Title: Consultancy - Drafting of a Digital Health Policy and Strategy
Reference No. 096/CS-IC/HSSP/DHPS

The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has obtained financing from the World Bank (WB) for the Health System Strengthening Project (HSSP) to support the Government of Saint Lucia's initiative to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness of health service delivery.

The National Health Strategy which is being developed will integrate digital health strategies as a fundamental component to enhance healthcare delivery efficiency, accessibility and patient outcomes by aligning the national health goals, integrating digital technologies, ensuring a seamless exchange of health information across different healthcare setting and systems and implementing mechanisms for ongoing monitoring, evaluation and assessment of digital health initiatives.

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive Digital Health Policy and Strategy for Saint Lucia, to improve the quality of outcomes and care services and to respond to the population’s health needs, including the vulnerable, to facilitate evidence-based decisions and equitable use of digital health solutions.

Specific Tasks:

The Consultant is expected to provide services to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs to develop and facilitate a participatory and inclusive process for the planning and development of the Digital Health Policy and Strategy document and costed operational plan.

The assignment is expected to be completed by 31 October, 2024.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website; www.govt.lc/consultancies or www.finance.gov.lc or can be obtained at the address given below.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs now invites Eligible Individual Consultants (“Consultants”) and Firms to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services; (Curriculum Vitae, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, clients’ references etc.).

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

Required Qualifications

The Consultant should have at minimum the following expertise:

• Possess at least a Master’s degree in Health Informatics, Public Health, Health Policy, Healthcare Management or equivalent in relevant field. (15%)
• At least five (5) years of experience with digital health initiatives. (15%)
• Experience in implementing technologies, managing data systems, or designing healthcare delivery solutions is highly desired. (15%)
• Experience in project management is highly desired. (5%)
• Proficiency in understanding digital health technologies, interoperability standards, data privacy, and security protocols. (5%)
• Experience in crafting policy frameworks, conducting policy analysis, and understanding the impact of policies on healthcare systems and stakeholders (at least one successful reference). (10%)
• Ability to conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses related to digital health initiatives. (10%)
• Proven skills in strategic planning, including setting goals, defining implementation strategies and monitoring progress. (10%)
• Ability to align digital health strategies with broader healthcare objectives and national or regional health agendas. (10%)
• Understanding of ethical considerations in digital health, such as data privacy, equity, and the ethical use of technology in healthcare. (5%)

A firm may propose an individual who will be evaluated on the basis of the individual’s qualifications, experience and competencies.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Expressions of Interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, by mail, or by e-mail) by March 18, 2024. Submissions shall be clearly marked “Expression of Interest – “Drafting of a Digital Health Policy and Strategy.”

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office 8:00 a.m-4:30 p.m. (0800 to 1630 hours).

Project Implementation Unit
Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs
1st Floor Sureline Building
Vide Bouteille
Castries
Saint Lucia
Tel: 1-758-468-6438/468-6436
E-mail: [email protected]

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