Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre says the revenue collected from the Health and Citizen Security Levy goes towards the improvement of health services on-island. At a press conference held on October 13, 2023, the Prime Minister announced the intention of the government to make health services for certain chronic diseases free of charge.

“We have now taken diabetes and hypertension. We are on our way to make that treatment free. The next step is going to be cancer. This Health and Security Levy is being used to fund these things that never happened before,” Pierre announced, as Saint Lucia joins the rest of the world during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

“[The levy] is being used for the Universal Healthcare Programme - you’ve seen where that is going. It will be used to improve health services in the country - you’ve seen where that is going,” Pierre said.

This follows the announcement that the government is waiving the $200 cost of ambulances. At present, maternal services are free of charge for nursing and expecting mothers. This was initiated as the first phase of the Universal Health Coverage regime.