Honourable Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull, Representative for the 2nd District, has called for urgent attention to the compensation packages offered to healthcare professionals in the territory.
During a recent debate in the House of Assembly, he emphasized the need to raise compensation for doctors and nurses, citing concerns about losing skilled professionals to neighbouring territories such as the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The assembly member highlighted a trend of healthcare workers leaving for better-paying positions elsewhere after short stints in the BVI. They also noted that many BVI-trained professionals working abroad are reluctant to return due to lower salaries at home.
While acknowledging plans to expand healthcare services Turnbull stressed that such expansions would be challenging without adequate staffing.
The call for improved healthcare worker compensation comes as the territory seeks to enhance its medical services amid significant recent challenges.