Despite a budget of $42 million allocated to the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), none of the public medical clinics across the territory have standalone budgets.
This was disclosed by BVIHSA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. June Samuel, during a recent community meeting on Virgin Gorda.
Dr. Samuel revealed that while the budget exists for the BVIHSA as a whole, there is no distinct allocation for each clinic. She noted that the issue of not having standalone budgets for the clinics has been brought to the attention of the Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent Wheatley, adding that the authority hopes this will be addressed in the near future.
During the meeting, BVIHSA Chairman Ron Potter explained that it would take approximately $5 million to complete the second floor of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic on Virgin Gorda, with an additional $5 million needed annually for operational expenses. The clinic’s expansion is a pressing concern for the community, which has long expressed the need for better healthcare facilities.
Addressing future financial support, Minister Wheatley announced that $4 million will soon be injected into the BVIHSA.
He explained that a portion of the funds will be allocated to tackle issues raised during the meeting, including some of the longstanding concerns with the Virgin Gorda clinic.