HIMAHealth doctors at Peebles Hospital for the launch of the agreement with the BVI Health Services Authority.
Photo Credit: Gordon French/BVI Platinum News
HIMAHealth doctors at Peebles Hospital for the launch of the agreement with the BVI Health Services Authority.
Photo Credit: Gordon French/BVI Platinum News
The need to travel overseas for specialist care and treatment could be minimized following a formal partnership agreement between the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) and Puerto Rico's HIMAHealth.
Officials did not take questions from reporters during an official launch ceremony at Peebles Hospital yesterday, March 15.
Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith, Premier and Minister of Finance spoke about deepening relationships with regional partners, pointing out that as a medical doctor he is proud that the agreement is being implemented.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton related that the move towards the formal agreement started with HIMAHealth officials in January 2012. According to Minister Skelton, the partnership with HIMAHealth will expand the range of specialist services provided and enhance community clinics, which will strengthen local capacity through specialised mentoring and understudy programmes for doctors and nurses.
Secretary of State for Puerto Rico, Hon. David Bernier stated that the partnership with the BVI will have an immediate positive impact and benefits for both countries.
"The quality and high technology standards of our healthcare services are our best asset to help us open many doors in the region," added Hon. Bernier.
Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHSA, Mrs. Darlene Carty Baptiste said the initiative is a win-win for the BVI.
"With this partnership with HIMAHealth, we don't just join our skills and expertise, but we join forces by expanding specialty services, sharing resources, building competencies; improving access to enhanced quality care and empowering our staff to embrace innovation to work efficiently. We are moving in the right direction," the BVIHSA CEO stated.
She encouraged the BVI to embrace the possibilities of the bright future ahead.
Seated from L-R: Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton, Minister for Health and Social Development; Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith, Premier and Minister of Finance; Hon. David Bernier, Secretary of State for Puerto Rico; and Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour. They are surrounded by Members of the House of Assembly, senior Government officials and medical staff from BVI Health Services Authority and HIMAHealth.
Photo Credit: Gordon French/BVI Platinum News
Seated from L-R: Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton, Minister for Health and Social Development; Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith, Premier and Minister of Finance; Hon. David Bernier, Secretary of State for Puerto Rico; and Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour. They are surrounded by Members of the House of Assembly, senior Government officials and medical staff from BVI Health Services Authority and HIMAHealth.
Photo Credit: Gordon French/BVI Platinum News
"Imagine, no more travelling overseas, no more TSA checkpoints, no more long drives, taxis and booking of hotels to access medical care. Anyone who seeks hematology/oncology, pulmonary, nephrology and neurosurgery care can do so right here at Peebles," Mrs. Carty Baptiste stated.
She pointed out that the BVIHSA/HIMAHealth partnership speaks volume to the trust HIMAHealth has placed in the BVI and this is not a gesture that the BVI takes lightly.
HIMAHEALTH is a service provided by Grupo HIMAoSan Pablo, a privately-funded hospital group with hospitals in the areas of Caguas and Bayamon, Fajardo and Humacao that mainly cater to patients from the Caribbean region and United States mainland.
The first clinic starts next Friday.
