The Dominica Hospitals Authority (DHA) has announced a comprehensive strategic roadmap aimed at revolutionizing healthcare delivery on the island. Chairman Dr. Donald Peters revealed the multi-faceted plan during a recent press conference, outlining key priorities for the coming year.
Foremost among these initiatives is the pursuit of international accreditation for Dominica’s medical facilities. Dr. Peters emphasized that this three-year endeavor, conducted in collaboration with Canadian authorities, would enable the hospital to serve international patients and meet global insurance requirements. “Our standards need to meet international standards to achieve this crucial recognition,” he stated.
The chairman identified financial stabilization as perhaps the most critical challenge, noting that healthcare represents the most significant expenditure for governments worldwide. “Some governments simply cannot afford to make healthcare free due to the enormous costs involved,” Dr. Peters explained, contextualizing the global healthcare financing dilemma.
A third pillar of the strategy involves enhanced collaboration with the Ministry of Health to address systemic inefficiencies. Dr. Peters revealed a startling statistic: 68% of Accident and Emergency department visitors present with non-urgent conditions like stomach aches or flu viruses. He made a public appeal: “Please go to your health center instead of coming all the way to Goodwill for non-emergencies so that critical cases can receive prompt attention.”
The most technologically ambitious component involves implementing a nationwide Hospital Management Information System, with $8 million already allocated for the project. This digital transformation will digitize all medical records nationally, accelerating both diagnosis and treatment delivery while improving overall care quality.
Dr. Peters also addressed the sensitive topic of medical fees, clarifying that the government subsidizes approximately 90% of actual costs. While the cabinet-approved charges appear modest—a $400 bill representing what should be a $4,000 service—he emphasized that these payments remain essential for the hospital’s financial viability.
The chairman concluded by noting that the Dominican government allocates approximately $28 million daily to healthcare, with a significant portion directed to hospital operations, underscoring the substantial investment required to maintain the nation’s health infrastructure.