National Alliance State Secretary of Health George Pantophlet says that he is settling into his new function. There is much to learn. He attended meetings of the coalition and the council of Ministers and many issues were discussed such as the transfer of government employees to the islands of Curacao/St. Maarten when they attain country status. A decision was taken in December of 2007 that all employees would be transferred to their respective countries. What is important is that the details are worked out clarifying the position of each employee so as to avoid anxiety on their part. On a very important note, he is looking forward to working with government and all other health care providers and institutions. He will first hold discussions with Minister of Health Omayra Leeflang when she returns from the Netherlands where she is on a working visit. St. Maarten is on the cutting edge of becoming a country and must prepare now to take on its responsibilities. Our geographical location in this region must be utilized and this will also mean upgrading of our facilities. As far as he knows the St. Maarten Medical Center is awaiting approval from the executive council to go ahead with the expansion of its facilities. Other matters he is looking into are the issue of obesity. The report "How Healthy is St. Maarten has to be updated and information regarding "The Dengue virus on St. Maarten from November to present has to be updated. And additionally the cause of the return of the midges have to be looked into.
