The Government of the Virgin Islands continues to make significant investments to strengthen the public health system to meet increasing demands and to prepare for any eventuality of COVID-19.

 Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone stated during a COVID-19 Update announcement that the investments include the contingent of Medical Professionals from Cuba who arrived in the Territory on July 25.

“These professionals who hail from Cuba are here to look at the development of our Territory, not only as it relates to the pandemic but also to strengthen or resolve in the many areas of their competence,” Honourable Malone said.

He also stated that in addition to Human Resource capacity building. the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the BVI Health Services Authority have been working with the support of various partners to enhance Health Services Infrastructure and associated equipment including works to improve the Major Peebles Wing of the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital and the delivery of primary health care to ‘New Regular’ standards.

Honourable Malone highlighted that construction on the ground floor is progressing through a joint venture between Quality Construction and KM Construction with a projected timeline of three months.

“Works are also programmed to enhance the laboratory infrastructure and procure equipment to allow the laboratory to effectively deliver clinical and public health functions as well as meet physical and equipment accreditation requirements,” he said.

The Minister for Health added, “Additional works will provide the appropriate infrastructure and equipment to serve as an effective out-patient clinic in the "New Regular" and  convert the facility to a stand-alone isolation unit for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases that would otherwise surpass the capacity of the existing hospital.”

Honourable Malone also explained that bids were issued on July 17 for these two projects had a submission date of August 14 was extended to August 24 to allow for additional contractors to respond.  The timeline for the awarding of contracts is projected for the second week of September.

For more information on the projects, persons are asked to call 468-2272 or email ministryofhealth@gov.vg.