During an interview on JTV’s The Big Story with Cathy Richards on March 11, Premier Wheatley pushed back against claims that his government has not invested adequately in the territory’s healthcare system. He pointed out that the government’s subvention to the hospital has nearly tripled since the construction of the new facility, increasing from approximately $15 million to $42 million annually.

“To make it seem as though we’re not putting money into the hospital is ridiculous,” Wheatley stated. “Healthcare can make any country go broke, and you cannot fund the hospital outside of having a proper national hea

Premier Wheatley

lth insurance scheme.”

The Premier emphasized the need to reform NHI to better serve the public healthcare system. He noted that while the NHI has largely benefited private sector providers, the hospital receives a fixed amount annually, regardless of the services it provides. He described this funding model as unsustainable and in need of urgent restructuring.

“Part of the problem we have with the hospital is that they get a global figure. That $42 million is not in exchange for any services or goods they provide,” he explained. “When private sector providers charge NHI, they do so per service provided. The hospital, on the other hand, gets the same figure no matter how much service it provides. That just doesn’t make any sense, and that’s something we have to fix.”

Wheatley assured the public that efforts are underway to address these structural deficiencies. He cited the reactivation of the contract committee, as well as legislative amendments being prepared to modify the NHI framework in a way that allows the public hospital to benefit more equitably. He stressed that these issues have existed for years and did not originate under his administration.

“Persons think the challenges at the hospital just started, but think again,” he said. “They’ve been happening for some time, and it’s our responsibility to fix them. We don’t run away from that responsibility.”

Responding to concerns about transparency and accountability, Premier Wheatley urged the public to stay engaged with the government’s efforts. He encouraged residents to attend public meetings and contribute to ongoing discussions about the future of healthcare in the BVI.

“The Minister of Health gives updates all the time, but the question is, do we listen when he gives them?” he asked. “We can always do more to address these challenges, but we need all hands on deck.”

As the government moves forward with its healthcare reform initiatives, the Premier called on the community to take an active role in supporting improvements, citing the contributions of civic organizations such as Rotary and the Lions Club as examples of meaningful engagement.

“We want to see things done, and we are telling the entire territory that we need to work together to make it happen,” he concluded.

The Premier’s remarks come amid growing public concern about the state of the territory’s healthcare system, with many residents calling for immediate action to resolve long-standing issues at the hospital and within the NHI scheme.

The government’s proposed reforms are expected to be debated in the House of Assembly in the coming months.

The post Premier Wheatley: Hospital Funding Crisis Must Be Fixed—Calls for Urgent NHI Reform appeared first on Jahphix Television - BVI's #1 NEWS SOURCE.

Held today at the Bella Blooms Conference Room in Fish Bay, the drill, which commenced at 9:00 am, saw members of the BVIHSA’s Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Unit embroiled in a hostage situation orchestrated by trained police officers.

The Crisis Team’s response, characterised by swift psychological first aid, underscored their adeptness in navigating high-stakes situations with poise and professionalism.

The Royal Virgin Island Police Force collaborated closely with the BVIHSA in orchestrating the drill, with participating officers showcasing their expertise and proficiency in handling such crises.

This collaborative effort provided a platform for crisis team members, hostage negotiators, and law enforcement personnel to engage in hands-on training, equipping them with the necessary tools to effectively tackle real-life scenarios.

Reflecting on the exercise, Dr. Virginia Rubaine, Director of the BVIHSA’s Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Unit, highlighted the importance of such drills in refining skills, fostering inter-agency coordination, and ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

“Our aim is to continue fostering collaboration to ensure our teams are adequately prepared and trained to serve as proficient first responders. Exercises like these are indispensable for sharpening our capabilities, enhancing synergy between agencies, and safeguarding the welfare of our community,” Dr. Rubaine stated during a post-drill interview.

The BVIHSA extends its gratitude to all participants, trainers, and partners for their unwavering dedication to enhancing mental health crisis response capabilities across the territory.

The post Simulated Hostage Situation Drill Wraps Up BVIHSA Annual Mental Health Crisis Training appeared first on Jahphix Television - BVI's #1 NEWS SOURCE.