ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – The Ministry of Health is to develop a national strategic plan aimed at improving health standards across the country. The National Strategic Plan for Health, which is supported by the Pan American Health Organi-sation (PAHO) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is expected to be completed by December and will be implemented in the first quarter of 2006, Health Minister Ann David-Antoine said last Friday at a ceremony to launch the process. She said the plan would assist the Ministry of Health determine ways “to collaborate, finance and implement” the various changes that are necessary to develop the entire health programme. “The plan will empower people to take charge of their own health needs and encourage them to seek the kind of health care and modify lifestyles to achieve optimum health,” David-Antoine said. Dr. Ricky Kallicharan of the University of Leeds in the UK is the lead consultant. He said a multi-sectoral committee would be formed to ensure the active participation of major stakeholders in the consultative process. The development of the five-year plan will also incorporate a number of regional and international agreements including the Caribbean Single Market and Economy and the Millennium Development Goals. PAHO will provide technical support in the development of the plan, Regional Health Systems Development Advisor Dr. Reynaldo Holder said. Health officials said the National Strategic Plan for Health was a long term plan and would provide guidelines for the future development of health protection, health promotion and health services. Reprinted from antiguasun.com