Dominica’s healthcare system is poised for significant enhancement through a newly ratified multi-country cooperation strategy with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Health Minister Cassanni Laville confirmed the partnership, which includes various OECS nations and Barbados and will extend from 2026 to 2031. The initiative unlocks $1.7 million in funding specifically earmarked for strengthening health systems leadership, integrated people-centered care, and emergency response capabilities.
Minister Laville, addressing a recent Dominica Hospitals Authority press conference, emphasized that this strategic alignment is a cornerstone of national development. The funding will directly support the Dominica Hospitals Authority in its mission to improve governance and service delivery. A key operational focus involves finalizing several critical senior management appointments, particularly within the nursing sector, to reinforce institutional leadership.
The administration’s efforts are underpinned by a robust legislative framework. The foundational Dominica Hospitals Authority Act of 2021 established modern protocols for managing public hospitals, including the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital. This framework was substantially fortified in December 2024 with the passage of the Amendment Act (Act number 13 of 2024), which explicitly reinforced governance standards, accountability measures, and patient protection principles.
Despite acknowledging the ‘very demanding circumstances’ and operational pressures faced by hospital staff over the past year, Laville commended their unwavering commitment to delivering essential services. He asserted that strong institutions, clear leadership, and honest communication are fundamental to maintaining public trust. The ultimate beneficiary of these consolidated efforts, the minister concluded, will be the people of Dominica, who stand to gain substantially improved healthcare outcomes.