BVI secures $250K grant to strengthen healthcare resilience

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has received a $250,000 grant from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) through Direct Relief to enhance healthcare services in the British Virgin Islands, particularly in response to natural disasters.

Minister Vincent Wheatley announced the funding in the House of Assembly, stating that it will be allocated to public healthcare infrastructure, cold chain strengthening, and medical oxygen generation. He explained that the initiative will support the installation of prime backup generators at six community health clinics across the Territory to ensure continuous healthcare services during power outages or natural disasters.

The grant will also facilitate improvements in cold chain infrastructure, with an upgraded pharmaceutical refrigerator set to be installed at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital (DDOSH) to enhance the storage and preservation of temperature-sensitive medical supplies. In addition, a new oxygen generation plant will be installed at the hospital to reduce reliance on imported oxygen, a vulnerability that was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These investments will fortify critical healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that our public healthcare facilities remain resilient in the face of climate-related and other emergencies,” Wheatley stated.

The initiative, which was announced earlier this month, is scheduled for completion by the end of April. Representatives from the OECS Secretariat and Direct Relief are expected to visit the Virgin Islands at various intervals during the project’s implementation to conduct assessments and monitor progress.

The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to improving health infrastructure, particularly in the sister islands and other communities that have historically faced challenges in accessing medical services following major disasters.

This initiative comes alongside plans from the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) to develop a long-term strategic plan for healthcare sustainability and modernisation. The board has contracted global consulting firm KPMG to lead the development of this five-to-eight-year plan following public consultations and data collection