The Ministry of Health and Social Development is conducting an assessment of the Primary Health Care System to strengthen and improve the delivery of health care in the Territory.

The ministry is partnering with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and will be holding several meetings with a wide range of stakeholders from the public and private healthcare sectors and voluntary and community groups involved in and impacted by primary healthcare. 

Work commenced virtually in December 2022 and the final report is expected by the end of July this year.

Minister Wheatley welcomed UKHSA Public Health Consultants Dr. Gabrielle Woolf and Dr. Eleanor Turner-Moss on Monday, May 15 to discuss the ongoing project and highlighted the need for special consideration to be given to Sister Islands and their specific challenges and to ensure that Primary Health Care services meet the needs of people across the entire Territory. 

Minister Wheatley and Acting Permanent Secretary Ms. Tasha Bertie reiterated the Government's commitment to making improvements to the health system to better meet the needs of the population.

Meanwhile, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges highlighted the

importance of the current assessment to chart the way forward for the revitalisation of Primary Health Care services. 

“In particular, more innovative approaches are required for the delivery of services across both public and private sectors,” Dr. Georges said, adding, “More effective financing and organisation of that care are required with a focus on better health outcomes and the project aims to identify the key themes and required strategies for a comprehensive plan to address these challenges”.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to improving the health and well-being of the residents and visitors of the Virgin Islands.