Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to help improve healthcare facilities in Montserrat.

DFID has recently financed a comprehensive study of the health sector on Montserrat, assessing need and identifying areas for improvement. The study has proposed a number of reforms to the health sector as well as options for a new hospital facility.

In addition, DFID’s annual contribution to the budget of the Government of Montserrat through its financial aid programme, provides funding for a number of health specialists to be recruited internationally. Under this programme the Government of Montserrat has recently engaged the services of a Healthcare Development Manager. This post holder will play a critical role in coordinating the implementation of recommendations from the health sector study. This will include the drafting and the implementation of a new health strategy as well as corresponding action plans for implementation.