11 Nov. 2025, Nassau, The Bahamas - On 5 November, 2025, the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) supported the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) in hosting the Validation Workshop for the National Quality and Safety Program (NQSPm) 2026–2031.The workshop brought together officials from the MOHW, the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and private health sector representatives. Participants validated the program’s vision, governance structure, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework, and National Quality and Safety Indicator Matrix, and worked in groups to refine practical implementation strategies.
Representing PAHO/WHO, Dr. Anton Best, Advisor for Health Systems and Services, delivered a framing presentation titled “Global to National: Advancing Quality of Care in The Bahamas”, connecting national efforts with the WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030, the WHO Quality Toolkit, and PAHO’s Strategy and Plan of Action on Quality of Care.
“Quality is not an optional add-on—it is the bridge between access and outcomes,” said Dr. Best. “PAHO is committed to working hand-in-hand with the Ministry and partners to embed quality and safety into governance, service delivery, and workforce development, so that every patient, every time, everywhere receives safe and respectful care.” The Validation Workshop is a critical milestone in confirming that the NQSPm is strategically aligned with The Bahamas’ health-transformation agenda, responsive to stakeholder needs, and operationally feasible across public and private sectors, including in the Family Islands. The work is being coordinated through the Ministry’s Transformation Management Office (TMO), led by Mrs Veta Brown, in close collaboration with the National Quality and Safety Committee and other key partners.
PAHO/WHO will continue to provide technical cooperation to the Government of The Bahamas in implementing the NQSPm and advancing quality, safety, and resilience across the health system.
