In the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Ministry of Health and Welfare bears responsibility for the planning and development of both public and private health care services. Specifically, the Ministry’s role in this regard is to formulate and coordinate policies relevant to planning and monitoring of the performance of health care providers. The Permanent Secretary is responsible for the administration of the Ministry and for supporting the Minister’s policy role.

The overall management of health services lies with the Director of Health Services. Currently, the Health Services are administered by the Health Department, which has two operational arms: Hospital Services and Community Health Services. These arms are headed by a Hospital General Manager and a Director of Primary Health Care respectively, to whom the day-to-day management is delegated. Continuing health reform efforts are concentrated on improved health care delivery through increased efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness.

Health System Profile of British Virgin Islands

The profile was prepared by a group of professionals and national policy decision makers from the Health Department of the British Virgin Islands and the PAHO/WHO Caribbean Program Coordination in Barbados. Technical coordination of the national group was the responsibility of the Health Department, British Virgin Islands and PAHO/WHO Caribbean Program Coordination in Barbados. Final review, edition, and translation are the responsibility of the Health Systems and Policies Unit, PAHO/WHO, Washington, DC.

Link to PAHO/WHO Caribbean Program Coordination & Eastern Caribbean Countries Office