My beloved uncle Joseph aka "Abbra" Angelo passed away on Saturday, July 6th in the emergency room of the Owen King EU (OKEU) Hospital on the Island of St. Lucia. He endured eight painful hours of neglect, being ignored and denied the immediate attention he desperately needed. This personal tragedy highlights an urgent need for healthcare reform in our region.

Currently, the standard of healthcare services in St. Lucia is deeply concerning. My uncle's tragic experience is not an isolated incident, but a distressing reflection of deeper systemic issues. Therefore, we call for comprehensive changes in our healthcare sector to avoid further unnecessary loss of life.

According to the World Health Organization, St. Lucia has a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1.7 per 1000 individuals (WHO, 2018). This is below the average ratio in the Caribbean region, indicating an alarming shortage of medical professionals on the island.

We urge the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Moses Jn Baptiste, and the St. Lucia Government to take immediate action. This includes hiring adequate staff, improving healthcare services, and ensuring a more compassionate and responsive system for patients in emergency situations. Time is of the essence, and we can afford no more losses like the ones we have already endured. 

Please, sign this petition to support a change in St. Lucia's healthcare system. We may have lost our loved ones, but together, we can prevent other families from experiencing the same heartache.