The President of the Republic, President Danny Faure, chaired a meeting with the Board of the Health Care Agency at State House yesterday morning.

President Faure began by noting the importance of the members in being entrusted with the responsibilities in leading and managing the Health Care services of our country. President outlined the fact that the services of the Health Care Agency is an “essential service” which functions 24 hours a day and he thanked them for their dedications and hard work.

The Chairperson of the Board, Mrs Daniella Larue, appraised the achievements of the Health Care Services and their strategies for the next two years. Three main priorities were outlined.  The first of those covered prevention and early intervention in diseases that cause a large loss of lives (diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer). Secondly, capacity development in various specialised areas to allow the staff of the Agency to better meet the expectations of the public.  Thirdly, Performance Accountability within the Health Care Services, including finding ways of rewarding health professionals in order to attract and retain the right people to work in the Health sector.

During the meeting, members of the Board discussed lengthily on some of the challenges such as timeliness of payments to suppliers,  and the procurement and implementation of projects.  Key to the long-term health of the population was the importance of prevention, and society’s role in carrying out prevention.

The President reiterated the government’s support to the Board and encouraged them to bring forward any policy issues which they felt would help the Agency fulfil its mandate.

Also present at the meeting was the Minister of Health, Mr Jean-Paul Adam; Economic Advisor to the President, Mr Bertrand Belle; the CEO of the Health Care Agency, Dr. Danny Louange; and other Board members.