VI Health Ministry moves toward prosthetics referral deal w/ TnT
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), visited the centre on Friday, October 16, 2026, during a brief stopover in Trinidad and Tobago while on duty travel.
Hon Wheatley, in an update posted to his Facebook page, said the visit came on the heels of discussions held at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) with Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Health, the Hon Dr Lackram Bodoe.
“The purpose of the visit was to assess how the Centre’s services can be made available to persons in the British Virgin Islands who have experienced limb loss and require prosthetic care,” the Minister’s post stated.
Prosthetics in hours
According to Hon Wheatley, the centre can manufacture prosthetic limbs within hours, with some patients receiving their limbs as early as the following day.
“This is the level of timely, specialised care we want within reach for our people. I met with the Centre’s staff and reviewed the full process, from assessment and production to fitting and rehabilitation, to understand what a partnership between our two territories would require.”
Hon Whealtey said the VI’s Ministry of Health and Social Development will work with its counterparts in Trinidad and Tobago to establish a formal referral arrangement that gives eligible VI patients access to these services.
He added that the ministry will move forward on next steps, including defining eligibility, coordinating patient referrals and continuity of care.
“This is part of our broader commitment to expanding healthcare options for the people of the Virgin Islands, particularly persons living with disabilities.”
Hon Wheatley thanked Dr Bodeo and the National Prosthetics Centre team for their welcome and willingness to collaborate. “I look forward to sharing further updates as this arrangement takes shape.”
Follow Us On
Leave a Reply