GREAT BAY:--- Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever met with representatives this week of the COOMEVA Medical Group out of Colombia where the options of Telemedicine, E-Health, visiting specialist and green clinics were discussed.
"I am happy to know that they also met with SZV and SMMC to try and negotiate a final affordable contract. The system for telemedicine, the training of qualified nurses to work with the system will be provided by COOMEVA. A dedicated line is needed and I will discuss this possibility with our local carriers as well as a location for this service needs to be established. The possibility of Green Health Clinics was presented to me as a potential solution to the current space challenges faced at SMMC," said Minister De Weever.
The topic of having physicians from Colombia come here to St. Maarten to conduct consultations with patients was discussed, and it is proposed to have the physicians register as visiting specialists, who would conduct the consultations locally and only persons who would need to undergo elective treatment or complicated surgeries (that are not possible locally) would be transported to Colombia. This matter was discussed with SZV (they are aware of all physicians to whom they refer their clients) and the SMMC (based on the admittance requirement for medical specialist).
Minister De Weever further stated that telemedicine would reduce the cost of patients having to travel to other locations for their follow up consultations. "We would have access to more specialist not available at SMMC and this would complement the current services and improve quality healthcare. I strongly believe that this opportunity given to us will and can be greatly used," said Minister De Weever.
