Business View Caribbean - Mar 2024

health services across the territory. Dr. June Samuel, the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Medical Staff elucidates the mission and operational framework of the Authority with clarity and passion. “The BVI Health Services Authority is fundamentally responsible for delivering health services on behalf of the Ministry of Health to the citizens of the BVI,” explains Dr. Samuel. This succinct delineation underscores a profound obligation: to provide a spectrum of healthcare services that span from the joy of birth to the dignity of old age, ensuring that every resident’s health journey is supported and valued. Established through legislative action in 2014, BVIHSA has evolved rapidly to meet the growing health needs of the islands. At its core lies the Dr. Orlando Hospital, an 81-bed facility that offers acute inpatient care, surrounded by a network of 13 clinics dispersed across the territory.“We operate across the four main islands, ensuring healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of where they live,” Dr. Samuel notes, highlighting the geographic challenge and the Authority’s response. Funding for BVIHSA is primarily sourced through the Ministry of Health via a national health insurance system, a sustainable model that underscores the government’s commitment to its citizens’ well-being. Additionally, as a statutory body, BVIHSA is tasked with identifying opportunities for self-funding, ensuring financial viability, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. ADDRESSING THE HEALTH CHALLENGES IN THE BVI In an environment as serene as the British Virgin Islands, the stark contrast presented by the prevailing health issues among its populace cannot be overstated. Dr. Samuel reveals a health panorama that mirrors broader Caribbean trends with unique local nuances necessitating tailored responses. “Similar to the rest of the Caribbean, we’re grappling with an epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Cancer, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes are our main concerns,” she discloses. The emphasis on NCDs reflects a global health shift 63 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 03 BVI HEALTH SERVICES AUTHORI TY