Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has stated that the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme is the most significant advancement of  the Territory’s civil protection network, since the introduction of the Social Security system some thirty years ago.

Premier Smith while delivering the 2016 Budget address outlined the developments in the Health Sector and the way forward. He said that in many parts of the world, health care is based on an individual’s ability to pay. He pledged that once his Government is at the helm he will work to ensure that the people of the Virgin Islands will never be faced with such a situation.

The Premier stated, that through the combined assistance of Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie Skelton and his team, along with persons in the public and private sector, everyone legally residing in the Virgin Islands now have access to high quality health care.

Premier Smith said, “If making this tough decision, ensures that everyone in this Territory has access to high quality health care, then that is what I feel duty bound and committed to do.  Under the National Health Insurance programme, every citizen of the BVI now has access to high quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay”.

The Honourable Premier added that he is particularly proud of the progress being made with the construction of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Mini Hospital in Virgin Gorda which, upon completion, will be a fully staffed medical facility. 

Other health related projects include the completion of the new Peebles Hospital which was officially opened on December 17, 2014.