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'We have heard you'; NHI under review- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

- said improving NHI is a priority, but it is important to approach these changes carefully & responsibly
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley, has assured Virgin Islanders that a review of the National Health Insurance (NHI) is underway to create a more efficient and sustainable system. Photo:Facebook
The National Health Insurance (NHI) was introduced in January 2016, and was designed to provide increased and equitable access to medical services for those in the Territory. Photo: NHI
The National Health Insurance (NHI) was introduced in January 2016, and was designed to provide increased and equitable access to medical services for those in the Territory. Photo: NHI
A former Premier of the Virgin Islands stated in 2020 that the National Health Insurance (NHI), if not reviewed, has the potential to bankrupt the territory. Photo: VINO/File
A former Premier of the Virgin Islands stated in 2020 that the National Health Insurance (NHI), if not reviewed, has the potential to bankrupt the territory. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– The Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), has assured Virgin Islanders that a review of the National Health Insurance (NHI) is underway to create a more efficient and sustainable system.

Honourable Wheatley made this statement during the NHI's 10th anniversary commemorative ceremony, held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, under the theme "Celebrating 10 years of health, hope, and security."

"We know that many of you have raised concerns about how the system works, about efficiency, cost, and long-term sustainability. Let me say this very clearly. We have heard you. NHI, the Ministry of Health and Social Development, and the Social Security Board have taken a careful and honest look at the system, what is working well, and what must improve to secure its future," he stated.

NHI priority for Gov't 

Hon Wheatley emphasised that improving the NHI is a priority, but it is important to approach these changes carefully and responsibly.

"That is why the work is being carried out in clear phases, under the alliance agreement. Phase one is already underway; both NHI and the BVI Health Service Authority have really begun strengthening how they collect and use data."

The minister highlighted that the primary focus is now on gathering key information needed to better understand costs, services provided, and patient outcomes.

"This allows us to better track how funds are used, monitor performance and improvements and make informed decisions based on facts, not feelings."

Phased approach 

He further noted that strong foundations are being established during Phase One, "so we can move confidently and efficiently into the next stage."

Wheatley stated that, "Phase two focuses on the larger structural improvements, and important steps have already been taken; therefore, the alliance agreement has been updated, strengthened coordination and accountability across the system. The contracts committee has been reestablished, improving oversight and fairness on how providers are contracted."

He also said that recommendations to update NHI laws and regulations have already been received by the Ministry of Health and Social Development, and are now moving through the formal approval process.

Hon Wheatlye emphasised, "That's a big deal."

NHI was introduced in January 2016, with the aim of providing increased and equitable access to medical services for residents of the Territory; however, it continues to spend more than it earns and is reportedly in 'financial distress'.

9 Responses to “'We have heard you'; NHI under review- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley”

  • Well (07/01/2026, 08:34) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    One of the Doctors who bleeds the system is on the board
  • simple... (07/01/2026, 10:01) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Set the amount any private practice can charge NHI for procedures. If they want to extort, let it show in their co-pay. That way everyone can see who the greedy are. The amount would be realistic and fair. Stopping these private practices from extorting the system.
  • BUSY BEE (07/01/2026, 10:42) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Minister's standard operating procedure: Issue a statement of concern, schedule a public meeting, then walk away.
    • @Busy Bee (07/01/2026, 15:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      something will happen since it is afterall election time - right around the corner. but what they and others behind them would understand is that we are no longer fools. their time up long time.
  • Gary Oak (07/01/2026, 12:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    natalio was just bragging about how much profits tax brought into the government

    sad thing is all that tax not being used to develop or help the country residents at all. we see no returns or values for what we dish out every year

    tax returns when?

    tax breaks when?

    tax bracket increase when?
  • .... (07/01/2026, 13:48) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    we need more coverage for serious health issues, for example, why are we paying nhi weekly and monthly and when someone encounters a grave sickness and needs to be flown out, NHI only covers air ambulance once for the year? should we be stuck in another country because we cant afford to come home? Tortola does not have enough specialist here to deal with health crisis or equipment's to do .
  • Stealth (07/01/2026, 14:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Medical services are costly, particularly for individuals, and as such many people look to insurance to share the cost. Incidentally, insurance is based on shared cost. Many pay , ie, pooling premiums to a group, ie, insurance entity, which typically cover large, unpredictable procedures by a few, accumulating resources to cover catastrophic losses. Group insurance is more affordable than individual insurance. The larger the group, the larger the base to spread the cost over. This is segway to the real and potential problems of the NHI. Is the VI pool too small to effectively fund the high cost of medical services provided by the NHI? Is the lack of physician fee schedule for procedures driving up the cost? Should there be physician fee schedule that physicians must agree to partake in the NHI program? Should users of NHI have a minimum co-pay? Should the BVIHSA have an active, robust preventative medicine program? Should the BVI HSA have a no nonsense fraud and exploitation program with teeth?
  • Comet Jones (08/01/2026, 03:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My wish for a change in NHI is to allow individuals to opt out of NHI and be able to get their own private quality insurance.

    Secondly, from the business side, allow employees to cover their 7.5% of NHI by themselves. Why do employers have to pay in to the system, NHI, SSB, P.A.Y.E, trade License fee, liquor license fee, and the list goes on? It's too much on small businesses.

    Please help us by reducing some of the taxes on businesses.


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