La Plaine Health District
The La Plaine Health District of Dominica is one of the seven administrative health districts that form the backbone of the island’s Primary Health Care (PHC) model. Anchored in the southeastern part of the island, this district plays a crucial role in delivering health services to communities that are often geographically dispersed and more difficult to access due to rugged terrain.
Geographic Coverage of La Plaine Health District
The La Plaine Health District encompasses a number of villages and settlements along Dominica’s southeast. These include La Plaine, Boetica, Delices, Grand Fond, and Morne Jaune, among others. The district is largely rural, with communities situated between coastal areas and interior valleys. Its location makes it critical in extending healthcare access to populations distant from the central Dominica-China Friendship Hospital in Roseau.
Health Infrastructure and Services
Health services in the district are provided primarily through Type I health centres and Type II health centres, supported by district-level coordination. Facilities within the district are staffed by nurses, community health aides, and visiting doctors. Services include:
- Preventive and curative primary healthcare
- Maternal and child health programs
- Vaccination and immunization drives
- Management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes
- Health promotion and outreach
For cases requiring specialized or emergency care, referrals are directed to the national hospital in Roseau or to the Marigot Hospital, depending on the circumstances.
Development and Challenges
The La Plaine Health District has faced challenges common to rural healthcare delivery, including limited road access, smaller staff complements, and the impacts of natural disasters. Tropical Storm Erika (2015) and Hurricane Maria (2017) significantly disrupted infrastructure, leading to increased emphasis on disaster preparedness within the health system.
Despite these hurdles, the district remains central to Dominica’s PHC strategy, ensuring that rural communities are not left behind. Efforts have included strengthening community health worker programs and expanding outreach services to address the needs of vulnerable populations.
The La Plaine Health District demonstrates Dominica’s commitment to a decentralized health system. By situating health services closer to the people in remote southeastern communities, it reinforces equity and accessibility, which are central principles of the country’s healthcare framework.