Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), has said there is a proposal for the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) to transition towards a flexible funding model. Photo: YouTube

A flexible funding model will allow the BVI Health Services Authority to have greater flexibility to develop and expand its services, strengthen its financial sustainability and better fulfil its role in meeting the healthcare needs of the Virgin Islands, Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), has said. Photo: BVIHSA

During the Continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the Minister said his ministry recognises that healthcare must continue to evolve to meet the needs of the people.

“Our population is ageing, chronic diseases are increasing, medical technology continues to advance, and the cost of healthcare continues to rise. These realities require deliberate action, careful planning, and a clear vision for the future.”

Comprehensive healthcare reform

Acknowledging these realities, Hon Wheatley said the Ministry of Health and Social Development has embarked on a comprehensive programme of health system reform.

“Our objective is to ensure that every resident has access to safe, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare, while ensuring every public dollar invested delivers the greatest possible value for patients, taxpayers and future generations.”

Hon Wheatley said work has already begun, as advancements focused on sustainable healthcare financing, strengthening the National Health Insurance Program, improving governance and accountability, modernising health information, and developing more integrated models of care are being made.

BVIHSA flexible funding model

Sustainable healthcare financing, the minister said, is the first priority, and therefore the ministry’s responsibility is to ensure that the significant investment made by the government is managed responsibly, transparently and sustainably.

To do this, how healthcare resources are planned, allocated, monitored and evaluated must be strengthened, enabling investment decisions based on reliable information and the delivery of measurable value for the public.

“The central element of this reform is the proposed transition of the BVI Health Services Authority away from its current government budget arrangements towards a more flexible funding model, linked to the services it provides.”

Hon Whealtey explained that a flexible funding model will allow the BVI Health Services Authority to have greater flexibility to develop and expand its services, strengthen its financial sustainability and better fulfil its role in meeting the healthcare needs of the Virgin Islands.

“The transition would be carefully managed to ensure continuity of services and operational stability, while strategies are developed to address the authority’s legacy financial liabilities.”