Nevis administration facilitates 399 women with free mammograms

St Kitts and Nevis: The Nevis Island Administration has facilitated 399 women in accessing free mammograms at the Alexandra Hospital. The initiative, valued at EC$79,800, has provided a crucial subsidy to women for essential health screenings.

This groundbreaking initiative ran over a span of 6 months, from May to December 31, 2023. It was launched in conjunction with the acquisition of a cutting-edge Philips (Planmed Clarity 3D) mammography system.

This state-of-the-art technology, incorporating digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), was procured by the NIA at a cost of US $229,585. The NIA aimed to facilitate women in getting themselves tested to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley recognized the significance of equal healthcare access and ensured that women from all socioeconomic backgrounds had the chance to benefit from this life-saving screening tool and mammograms.

This six-month promotional offer ended on December 31 2023, but to further enable continued accessibility, the subsidized fee, effective from January 1, 2024, will be EC$200. This price is much lower than the actual market value.

This free service was earlier available till the end of November, but during the Budget Address 2024 on December 7, Health Minister Jahnel Nisbett announced that it would continue till the end of the year.

"The Administration continues to show its eagerness to invest in healthcare. Therefore, we have made available mammogram services that we are happy to announce will be free for the remainder of this year (2023). I am happy to report that 313 patients were able to access this service as of today. We want to stress that we have an active interest in ensuring everyone has access to proper healthcare and will continuously promote a robust healthcare sector and a healthier Nevis," she outlined.

Additionally, Premier Brantley also expressed that it was truly an amazing feat as the CCM-led NIA demonstrates its unwavering commitment to to healthcare in Nevis. He thanked all the women who responded and got themselves tested.

https://twitter.com/ccmnevis/status/1742612693658263648

The Premier also extended his heartiest congratulations to Minister of Health Jahnel Nisbett, PS Shelisa Martin, Hospital Administrator Gary Pemberton and the entire team at the Ministry and at the hospital who made this possible.