VICTORIA, Seychelles — Healthcare emerged as one of the most prominent issues at last night’s first presidential debate, with candidates putting forward sharply different prescriptions for the country’s overstretched hospital system, particularly on whether to build a new national hospital or strengthen the existing one.
Dr Patrick Herminie of United Seychelles questioned the necessity of building a new hospital, proposing that the funds should instead be reinvested into the existing Seychelles Hospital and used to establish health facilities such as dialysis centres at district level. ‘Primary health has been neglected, but if you have a primary health system that is very strong, then there is not as much pressure on secondary health,’ he noted, adding that the healthcare system has regressed over recent years.
Independent candidate Kisna Louise stated categorically that he does not feel there is a need for a new hospital and that the current facility is suited to the small population. ‘Perhaps what should be done is to decentralise health services, by building regional hospitals in our five regions to serve the regions,’ Mr Louise stated, while also flagging the need to address remuneration, equipment and medication, and proper monitoring and evaluation.
Independent candidate Ralph Volcère took the opposite view, arguing that Seychelles needs a new and modern hospital and that, as leader, he would allow health professionals to work free from political interference. Robert Moumou of SPNM, making reference to last year’s visit of the Chinese Navy hospital ship Peace Ark, said this was indicative of the state of the health system, which he said ‘has remained one of the biggest problems for many years’. ‘The problem with the hospital is clear — it is service, and manpower. We think the solution is to address the quality of service at the hospital. Health is a right,’ Mr Moumou said. The debate confirmed that healthcare will be a defining issue in the September 25-27 elections.
