Why Health Ministry got most of 2024 budget?
Minister for Health & Social Development Vincent Wheatley has stated that his ministry was given the largest share of the 2024 budget because its work caters for individuals “from the cradle to the grave.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development received 20.38 per cent of the 2024 budget or $95.92 million. Wheatley said the allocation is justified.
“I should feel guilty but I don’t because my ministry received the biggest portion of the budget. My ministry covers from the cradle to the grave so naturally we would have the biggest portion,” Wheatley explained. “So what you’re going to see is a lot of things done with the prison, primary healthcare, Health Services Authority, waste management, community centres. All these things will see major improvements starting January.”
Wheatley also shared that some of the funds allocated to his ministry will go towards increasing the funds persons receive under social assistance programmes.
“One of the things we will do — for persons who receive financial assistance under social development — we’re going to increase that as quickly as we can possibly get it done. People are going through very challenging times and we have to make sure that we meet the needs of the population the best we can,” Wheatley explained.
With the urgent cries for infrastructural upgrades, many would have expected the Ministry of Communications and Works to get the giant share of the 2024 budget. But that ministry got the second largest share which is 15.92 per cent or $74.95 million.
Of that amount, $54.57 million is for recurrent expenditure and $20.38 million for development. The Premier also revealed that his government will be borrowing at least $100 million to fund some of its capital projects.
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It’s that high because $40 mil is paid to NHI/HSA every year and it’s a complete waste as persons seeking healthcare still need to go Private as the Hospital is not properly equipped to handle most matters.
I did not hear you mention increase in Social Security benefits. I am mostly concerned about this particular issue because thats where the corruption started when our monies was taken and given away to fake farmers and fishers not to mention for cronies and families to pay for their various Bills. I also want to state that I heard nothing about the Homeless people who haven’t been in homes since 2017. Also waiting to hear about upgrades to various Health Care facilities across the Territory including the Step Children (Sister Islands). Also Community Centres in all Districts. I hope the people of this Territory mark this Date and listen for any excuse in the next four years.
This Territory needs Divine Intervention. Something is holding us back. In all honesty I think the Government want to do what’s right BUT something or someone keeps blocking their path..
Perhaps they should come out to say who’s blocking their path. It certainly cannot be public servants because the DG is part of the politics.
Some Politicians are saying that its some Senior Public Servants blocking everything the Government tries to push forward. As God I heard so. Some Public Servants are also saying its them run tings.
soooo. hmmm…