Government minister, Senator Ann Peters, has pledged that the Ministry of Health will continue on its journey to implement its Primary Healthcare Strategy. The Health Minister says the strategy is vital as the ministry continues to “build, improve and deliver healthcare services that are meaningful’’ to the Grenadian people. “That is why we have decided to pilot the renewed primary healthcare agenda in St. Patrick. In doing so we have already agreed on the steps to be taken, and will be working collectively and closely with the community, our services providers and all other relevant parties to ensure and provide the type of service that is reliable and satisfying to all Grenadians,’’ Sen. Peters told her colleagues in the Upper House on March 26 as she gave support to the 2012 billion-dollar budget. Sen. Peters spoke highly of her Ministry of Health staff. She said despite the challenges they confronted, staff at all levels displayed dedication, commitment and passion. This, she argued, is what drives the ministry and is responsible for its success in 2011. She dedicated her budget presentation to her staff. When one carefully considers the large number of people that access services at both the community and hospital levels, said the Minister, the staff must be commended. Peters said that in 2012, her Ministry will continue to implement the E-grip project; and strengthen its health financing mechanisms and physical infrastructure projects, including the new hospital and Gouyave Health Centre. She also promised services upgrades, ensuring the availability of drugs and pharmaceutical supplies, human resource development, new health legislation and ongoing efforts to address issues and challenges faced by chronic disease and HIV/AIDS patients. In February of this year, PAHO’s Director General, Dr. Mirta Roses, commended Sen. Peters for her stewardship in the midst of the global economic downturn that impacted the work of the Pan American Health Organization.