Public consultations have begun to guide development of a healthcare road map for the Cayman Islands. The comment period, open throughout May, is an opportunity for the Cayman Islands public to provide insight on their healthcare needs.
Cayman’s last national health strategy, a five-year plan, was undertaken in 2012. Health Minister Sabrina Turner says she now hopes to create a 10-year strategy that includes an operating plan and incorporates local data and community input.
“It’s all about a data-driven approach and not information from other regional jurisdictions or somewhere in Europe,” Turner told the Cayman Compass.
She stressed that input should come from “the Caymanian people who are using our services”.
Submitted comments will guide the Ministry of Health & Wellness, with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization, in developing a national health strategy for the Cayman Islands.
Turner hopes to roll out the strategy as early as 2025. That will require staff to collate public input, redact a suitable document, and send that document to caucus and Cabinet for approval.
Turner said the strategy document will “help steer the government so that we know exactly what is needed in resources and manpower for health and healthcare of the people of the Cayman Islands”.
Wide-reaching consultations
Since the 2012 exercise, she said no further action had been taken to update the national health plan. The previous document, she added, lacked an operational plan, something she hopes to change this time.
She said they are now working across ministries to address complex issues that play into public health and nutrition like agriculture and food access.
“This is a national health strategy and plan. It doesn’t only rest within the Ministry of Health & Wellness. We’re breaking down silos,” she said.
“We’re also reaching out to insurance companies, both public and private. We’re engaging and reaching out to some of the local doctors, both public and private, and we’re also reaching out to NGOs and faith-based organizations. So, everyone’s voice matters.”
She called on the community to make use of the opportunity to have their say in creating a healthcare road map.
“I want to get the local information so that when this all yields fruit, you will know it’s coming from an informed place that every Caymanian who availed themselves had a part to play in the development of this document,” she said.
“I don’t want anybody to say it makes no difference. It does make a difference.”
The strategy will also incorporate the results of the STEPs health survey, the final data for which is still being compiled.
Early findings
Turner said she is concerned about the prevalence of certain lifestyle-related issues, like diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure, indicated by the preliminary findings.
Turner said simple adjustments can often help turn these conditions around.
“Instead of having that good ole fish run down or all that Cayman-style beef every Sunday, you may want to switch it up a little bit,” she said.
Making a pledge to drink more water or to eat more fruits can make a difference, she added.
The public can get involved by sending feedback on local healthcare, personal experiences, and suggestions to [email protected], as well as filling out the National Health Strategy Public Consultation Survey.
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