In the wake of photos circulating on social media, depicting areas at the Alexandra Hospital on Nevis, which show unfit conditions for anyone to work in, the island’s Ministry of Health issued a press release on Monday Jan. 20^th, stating “areas are not occupied by staff and patients.”

The release stated “we take this time to emphasize that the areas pictured are not currently being utilized for services to patients or the public and are not occupied by staff. The Ministry prioritizes quality care to our people.”

Over the weekend, pictures of the Alexandra Hospital circulated on Facebook. “These images are a deliberate attempt to mislead the general public. The areas pictured previously hosted laboratory services, records and physiotherapy. We reiterate that these areas are not occupied by staff and patients as we work to remediate the area.”

According to MOH release, they Ministry “opted for a comprehensive, long-term solution…a thorough investigation into the root causes of the issue, with experts from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) conducting a detailed analysis of the problem.” The study was done since the latter quarter of 2024.

PAHO and the Environmental Health Department are working together to provide a comprehensive strategy for addressing these concerns. Once the detailed recommendations are received, “the Ministry will take swift action to implement the necessary remedial measures.” Though the Ministry of Health did not mention in the release, what the issue is, the question is: what is the real issue (s)?