Eleven new medical specialist positions to be created effective August 1, 2025; an upgraded remuneration package to be approved for the medical specialist as well as other medical positions no later than August 6, 2025; and a Medical Professional Bill and Nursing Midwives Bill to be presented in Parliament in September 2025, are some of the measures government plans to put in place to address the public’s concerns regarding quality of care at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH).
“We will appoint a full-time Executive Chairperson to strengthen the governance, accountability, transparency, and to assure overall the delivery of high-quality patient care,” said Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre at Friday’s 2025/26 National Budget session.
“In addition to the post of Chief Executive Officer, we shall appoint a Clinical Director who will have the equal rank of Chief Executive Officer, reporting directly to the Executive Chairperson. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the clinical and medical services and to ensure that we can address patient concerns in a proactive manner.”
He continued, “ We will engage an Accreditation Coordinator for the Dominica China Friendship Hospital to guide us towards international good practice and accreditation in order to enhance the quality and credibility of our healthcare services [and] we will establish a Patient Support Unit at the Hospital to improve communication and responsiveness to patients and their families.”
According to Dr. McIntyre, that Unit will also work closely with the recently revamped Quality Department to ensure that patients receive the best quality care.
“The Medical Professions Bill and the Nursing and Midwives Bill will be presented to the Parliament in September 2025,” he revealed. “These bills will seek to address the rights and professionalism of our health practitioners and the prioritising of the welfare and safety of patients.”
Furthermore, he pointed out that the new structure for the nursing service, which was established in the last financial year, will continue to be implemented in this financial year.
“Eleven new medical specialist positions will be created effective August 1, 2025, to ensure that all specialists are appointed in permanent positions; and an upgraded remuneration package will be approved for the medical specialist and other medical positions no later than August 6, 2025,” Dr. McIntyre revealed.
He added, “To further motivate the nursing and medical services, this year, the government will launch a financial reward programme for outstanding performance. This programme will begin at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, where patients and supervisors will evaluate the level of care provided by the doctors and nurses.”
He said a total of ten awards will be granted per quarter to the most outstanding performers for the period.
Meanwhile, he stated that the most impactful initiative for health care in Dominica is the Health Management and Information System that is currently being developed at a cost of $15.5 million.
“This transformative initiative will enhance the delivery of healthcare in Dominica as it will integrate patient records, diagnostics, and treatment histories across all facilities—hospitals and health centres, as well as streamline clinical, financial, and operational functions,” he explained. “It is envisioned that the integrated patient administration module, the first of 49 modules, will be go live by December 31, 2025 [and] once fully operational, the system will boost continuity of care, efficiency in diagnosis and treatment, and reduce processing time as patients records will be stored in that system and readily available.”
He went on to state that the government’s efforts to build a robust health care system for a healthier nation continue in this Fiscal Year.
“At the Primary care level, we will focus heavily on prevention mainly through immunization and education,” he said. “Non-communicable diseases NCDs account for three of every four deaths in the country, therefore, with an NCDs Unit already in place, greater attention will be given to combating NCDs.”
He further noted that several initiatives are ongoing, and this year the government will launch two major awareness programmes to promote food literacy and healthy choices through nutritional labeling, school partnerships, and increase access to locally grown, nutritious produce.
“In addition to educational and promotional activities, we will conduct screening of students for NCDs, physical activity campaigns, mental wellness outreach, and parental education,” Dr. McIntyre revealed. “Even with these initiatives, Mr. Speaker, citizen responsibility in combating NCDs cannot be overstated. Each of us must take ownership of our health. Adopting healthier lifestyles can change lives.”
He continued, “As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen nutrition and food safety, we will soon introduce a Food Safety and Security Bill to Parliament, aimed at ensuring higher standards in food production, handling and distribution for the protection and well-being of our citizens [and] collaboration amongst our nutritionists in the health sector is already underway to promote better nutritional practices among our citizens.”
He also mentioned that prevention of disease through immunization is also critical.
“Dominica has made significant progress in immunization coverage, rising from 76% to 90% within one year. This year, we will make a much-needed change to the immunization of infants. We will switch from pentavalent vaccines to hexavalent vaccines which will reduce the number of inoculations for our infants.”
In addition, he emphasized that preparations are being made to introduce the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 20 in 2026 to help infants and vulnerable elderly combat seasonal flu,” he revealed. “ To bolster public health resilience, Dominica is participating in the Pandemic Fund Project in partnership with the World Bank, PAHO, and FAO. With an investment of $9.2 million, this initiative will modernize disease surveillance systems through the purchase of software and equipment, upgrade laboratories, train personnel, and improve emergency preparedness.”
I have always described this Roosevelt Skerrit led regime as WICKED.
With squandamia all around the place, tens of millions being spent to steal elections, millions being spent to persecute and prosecute opposition voices, where were your priorities? For 25 years, people have been complaining about the poor state of medical care at our main hospital, and you all have deliberately turned a blind ear.
Please use the peoples money to take care of the people. Stop acting like you just assumed office.
Gang of WICKED MISLEADERS! Did you all expect me to CLAP?
MEME
Those lay ban mor dah rah!!!!
But you know sum ting is wong when that announcement comes from the government and not the Dominica Hospital Authority.
Nou fini bat under that grabberment (according to Ma Boyd)
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on us. Every budget presentation the hopes of the people are raised by promises of euphoria for the future. Every time, instead of experiencing this Garden of Eden lifestyle, life becomes much more challenging.
Closure of business places, up-tick in unemployment, wages and salaries remain stubbornly stagnant, crime escalating, inflation increasing, economic conditions in the country deteriorating, all these are mitigating factors against progress.
The present President and the members of her government are living their best life. Their concern is not the quality of life of the average citizen but to deceive the people to remain in power as long as it is humanly possible.