The IMF, structural adjustment and health in the Caribbean: policy change in health care in Trinidad and Tobago

ABSTRACT

In this study, an assessment of the impact of structural adjustment policies in the 1980s on the health status of people in the Caribbean is undertaken through observation of the effects of these policies on the living conditions of employment, income education, nutrition, housing and water supply. The data show distinct patterns of decline in living conditions in the Caribbean. Reference is made to the fact that while nutrition has the greatest impact on health, all other living conditions identified significantly affect the health status of the people. Other factors point to real declines in health status through increases in morbidity among specific groups in the Caribbean. In the context of declining health status, I examine the recent changes in health policy being implemented by the government of Trinidad and Tobago to effect a virtual privatization of health services. I comment on the possible outcome of these policies in relation to access to health care using evidence from the region, and suggest modifications to these policies in order to ensure that health is enhances in the Caribbean region (AU)