Business View Caribbean - Mar 2024

light on the breadth of collaborations that underpin the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority’s efforts to advance healthcare outcomes. “Our key collaborator is the Ministry of Health, which acts as a conduit for our engagements with significant public health partners,” she highlights, indicating the foundational role of this relationship in orchestrating broader healthcare strategies. This partnership is emblematic of a unified approach to health governance,where national and organizational objectives are seamlessly aligned. Delving deeper into the regional aspect of collaboration, Dr. Samuel elaborates on the Authority’s involvement with entities like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). “These regional agencies are critical for us, allowing access to a range of services, from public health initiatives to emergency response mechanisms,” she states. Such collaborations broaden the Authority’s operational capabilities and integrate them into a more comprehensive healthcare intelligence and support network. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Pooled Procurement Services (OESPPS) represents another layer of strategic partnership, focusing on the logistical aspects of healthcare provision. “Through OESPPS, we engage in pooled procurement for pharmaceuticals and laboratory supplies, a strategy that significantly mitigates costs,” Dr. Samuel explains. This pragmatic approach to procurement underscores the innovative strategies deployed by the Authority to optimize resource allocation and ensure the availability of essential medical supplies. The National Health Insurance and various medical services entities emerge as critical collaborators on the local front. “Working closely with the National Health Insurance and local medical entities allows us to enhance the scope and quality of specialty services available within the BVI,” Dr. Samuel notes. This collaborative ethos extends the Authority’s capacity to offer comprehensive care, addressing gaps in service provision and facilitating access to specialized medical interventions. 66 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 03