According to the committee, despite repeated appeals through the formal Standing Finance process and independent meetings, key requests made by the BVIHSA to the Minister of Health and Social Development, as well as the Government of the Virgin Islands, have gone unheeded.

The funding requests, submitted during the 2023/2024 budget discussions, were intended to address severe operational deficits and capital needs affecting healthcare facilities throughout the territory, including those on Virgin Gorda. Specifically, the BVIHSA requested:

1. An annual subsidy of $2 million to cover operating deficits at community clinics, including the one on Virgin Gorda. Without this funding, the BVIHSA warned, health services in the outer islands could be severely compromised.
2. Capital expenditure assistance of $384,400 to repair the leaking roof of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic, Virgin Gorda’s primary health facility. The leaks, which have caused water to pool on the second floor and disrupt operations below, pose serious risks to both patient care and staff safety. The situation has also halted planned renovations to the second floor.

Despite the urgent nature of these requests, there has been little movement from the Ministry of Health or the Virgin Islands Cabinet to resolve these issues, the committee claims. They argue that the Ministry and the BVIHSA failed to properly communicate the gravity of the situation to the Ministry of Finance, leaving the clinics without the necessary funds.

“We are extremely concerned that our healthcare needs are being ignored,” said a spokesperson for the committee. “The lack of action is having a direct and harmful impact on the quality of care available in Virgin Gorda. We need immediate explanations as to why these essential funds were not prioritized.”

The committee is also anxious about the upcoming 2024/2025 budget submission, fearing that without urgent attention, healthcare for Virgin Gorda and other outlying communities may continue to fall by the wayside. They are now calling for transparency in the budget process, including a breakdown of healthcare funding by island and clinic.

“We cannot afford for our health clinics to be an afterthought,” the committee said. “The community of Virgin Gorda remains committed to advocating for better healthcare, and we expect the government to address these needs without further delay.”

The committee also noted that they have yet to receive any follow-up from a community meeting held on Virgin Gorda on September 6, 2024, where these issues were discussed. They are demanding another meeting by October 2, 2024, to receive updates on the situation and the government’s plan of action.

For now, the residents of Virgin Gorda are left waiting, while their healthcare services hang in the balance.

For further inquiries, the Committee for Urgent Enhancement of Healthcare to the Virgin Gorda Community can be contacted at: vgpetitionforhealthcare@gmail.com.

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Mrs. Gracia Wheatley-Smith, Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, stressed the importance of preparedness for individuals managing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. “Residents should have at least a month’s supply of medication on hand to be ready for any potential storm impact,” she advised.

She warned that the rapid development of severe weather could leave little time to refill prescriptions, and worsening conditions may lead to early pharmacy closures or impassable roads. “It’s crucial for those with chronic conditions to be fully prepared as we approach the most active part of hurricane season,” Mrs. Wheatley-Smith emphasized.

Parents are also being advised to ensure they have the necessary medications for pain and fever for their children, as seeking medical care may become difficult during a storm. “In our preparations, we must also consider the medical and pharmaceutical needs of children, ensuring they are equally well-prepared,” she added.

Residents are further reminded to store medications properly to maintain their effectiveness and to keep them out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of the Virgin Islands population as the territory navigates the challenges of the hurricane season.

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Efforts are underway to rectify the situation, with the engagement of the system manufacturer and the procurement of necessary parts and software. Upon their arrival in the territory, a technician from the manufacturer will oversee the installation process.

As a consequence of these AC-related complications, adjustments to hospital services are inevitable to ensure the comfort and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff.  Additionally, modifications to pharmacy outpatient services have been implemented, requiring medication orders to be submitted via WhatsApp or refill requests via phone for next-day pick-up between specified hours.

The BVIHSA extends its apologies for any inconvenience caused by these service alterations and assures the public of its commitment to swiftly resolve the issue. Despite these challenges, the authority remains dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to all residents of the British Virgin Islands, expressing gratitude for the community’s understanding and cooperation during this period of adjustment.

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