St. Lucia - Health

There were two general hospitals, one psychiatric hospital, and two district hospitals on St. Lucia in 1998. The main hospital, with over 200 beds, is located in Castries. In addition, there are 34 health centers scattered throughout the island. In 1995, there were an estimated 33 hospital beds per 1,000 people. In 1999, total health care personnel (with number per 1,000 people), included 81 physicians (0.6), 13 dentists (0.1), 312 nurses (2.3), and 36 pharmacists (0.2). As of 1999, total health care expenditure was estimated at 4.3% of GDP.

Malnutrition and intestinal difficulties are the main health problems. Tuberculosis, once widespread, has been brought under control (82 cases were reported in 1992–95). The total fertility rate in 1994 was 3.1 children born to a woman during her childbearing years. As of 2002, the birth rate was an estimated 21.37 per 1,000 people and the infant mortality rate was 14.8 per 1,000 live births. In 1997, 95% of children were immunized against measles. The average life expectancy was 72 years in 2002.