Representatives from over 20 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) met today at the Ministry of Health to discuss a policy to govern the relationship between NGOs and the Ministry.

The meeting was chaired by Health Minister, Donville Inniss and Permanent Secretary, Ronald Fitt, and a follow up meeting will be held soon to continue to deepen the dialogue between the two bodies.

Minister Inniss pointed out that the objective of the partnership was to strengthen the relationship between the two partners at a national level in ways that improve health outcomes, strengthen health action, and place health issues on the development agenda.

??"We believe that all of you have a role to play in helping us to unravel the challenges that we have in the health care sector and also to find sustainable solutions going forward. I think that coming out of this there should be a commitment and understanding of the steps going forward so that we can truly have a vibrant NGO desk within the Ministry of Health that we can focus our goals and deliver the best possible system across the board," Minister Inniss stated.

He also called on NGOs to share information, build partnerships, zero in on challenges and work with Government to "raise the bar" for the delivery of health care services.

During the meeting, the Ministry officials summarised their goals and work and discussed ways to better cooperate with NGOs.?? A focal point (NGO Desk) within the Ministry of Health will soon be established to coordinate and facilitate all matters related to NGOs.??

Some of the groups in attendance were:?? Teen Challenge Barbados, the Barbados Cancer Society, the Barbados Association of Retired Persons, the St. John Ambulance, the Barbados Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Hope Foundation, and the Barbados Cancer Society, among others.?? lbayley@barbados.gov.bb

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