Bayview Hospital, just five months after unveiling its urgent care department, is broadening its healthcare offerings with the introduction of the Bayview Executive Medical Programme. This initiative is designed to emphasize prevention and proactive health management, catering to business leaders, employees, families, and individuals seeking comprehensive health evaluations in a private and confidential environment. The programme, initially tailored for busy executives but accessible to all, features four distinct packages aimed at assessing health risks and supporting wellness goals. Each package includes a half to full-day visit to Bayview’s state-of-the-art urgent care facility, where services such as X-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests, and physician consultations are seamlessly integrated under one roof. Zahra Ashby, patient care coordinator at Bayview Hospital, highlights the uniqueness of the programme, stating, ‘From PSA testing and liver function evaluations to CT Calcium Scoring, 3D mammograms, and hearing and vision assessments, everything is available on-site. It’s a truly seamless and private medical experience.’ The Gold Executive Medical Package (Tier 1) offers a baseline health assessment, including physician consultations, health history reviews, vital sign measurements, and immunisation updates. Laboratory tests cover diabetes, cholesterol, urine analysis, HPV, PSA, and cardiac risk assessments. The Platinum Package (Tier 2) expands on this with kidney function tests, complete blood counts, nutritional counselling, fitness assessments, abdominal ultrasounds, chest X-rays, and 3D mammograms for women over 40. For those seeking advanced insights, the Diamond and Sapphire packages provide extensive wellness assessments, including cancer markers and specialist referrals. Bayview’s initiative positions it as one of the few Caribbean facilities offering such comprehensive preventative care in a single location, reinforcing its mission to promote longer, healthier lives through early detection and proactive care. Ashby adds, ‘We aim to empower individuals to take control of their health by combining cutting-edge technology with personalized attention, ensuring every patient leaves with clarity and confidence.’
分类： health
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New Accident and Emergency Operating Theatre opens at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital
The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) marked a significant milestone in healthcare advancement with the inauguration of a fully equipped Accident and Emergency (A&E) Operating Theatre on November 6, 2025. Valued at EC$1.17 million, this cutting-edge facility was made possible through the generous support of The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, reinforcing the government’s commitment to modernizing Dominica’s healthcare infrastructure. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, addressing the audience at the opening ceremony, hailed the initiative as a testament to the government’s dedication to quality healthcare. He lauded the Trust for its unwavering partnership since 2015, which has previously aided national recovery efforts post-Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria. The new theatre, equipped with advanced anesthesia systems, orthopedic extensions, portable imaging devices, and rapid diagnostic tools, is poised to revolutionize emergency care by enabling urgent surgeries directly within the A&E Department, thereby eliminating the need for patient transfers. This development is expected to enhance response times, improve patient outcomes, and increase survival rates. Prime Minister Skerrit also commended the Dominica Hospitals Authority and Health Minister Cassanni Laville for their leadership and technical expertise. The government’s broader vision includes the construction of the Marigot Hospital, upgrades to 13 health centers, and ongoing enhancements at DCFH, all aimed at ensuring accessible, affordable, and dependable healthcare for all Dominicans. Minister Laville emphasized that the new facility will streamline surgical operations, reducing delays and cancellations of elective procedures by localizing emergency interventions within the A&E.
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Workshop in Antigua and Barbuda Focuses on Fighting Mosquito-Borne Diseases
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs, in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Direct Relief, has launched a pivotal Vector Control and Public Health Workshop. Held at the Harrison Centre, the event is themed ‘Building Resilient Communities: Integrating Public Health Strategies for Vector Control, Epidemiological Surveillance, and Disease Prevention.’ The workshop convenes public health experts, environmental officers, and community health workers to bolster national capabilities in combating vector-borne diseases. Attendees are exploring integrated vector management, public health education, and community engagement, alongside advanced surveillance tools and data collection systems for early detection of diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Key figures at the opening ceremony included Minister of State Hon. Michael Joseph, Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige, Chief Health Inspector Sharon Martin, and Deputy Chief Health Inspector Daryl Spencer. Minister Joseph highlighted the workshop’s significance in enhancing the region’s capacity to address vector-borne disease threats, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. This initiative is part of the broader OECS Direct Relief Project, which seeks to strengthen health systems’ resilience across the Caribbean by improving preparedness and response to climate-sensitive health challenges. Ministry officials expressed gratitude to OECS Direct Relief for their ongoing support in advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s public health priorities.
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Dr. Kenneth Darroux is now interim CEO of Dominica Hospital Authority
Dr. Kenneth Darroux, former Health Minister of Dominica, has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dominica Hospital Authority. He succeeds Nancy Francis, a St. Lucian national, who served in the role for two years. Dr. Darroux expressed gratitude for Francis’s foundational work, which set the authority on a path toward prosperity. He acknowledged the challenges of stepping out of semi-retirement to take on this critical role but emphasized his readiness to address the complexities of managing a national hospital. Dr. Darroux, who has served as a patient, medical doctor, intern, Health Minister, and deputy director of the hospital board, brings a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system to his new position. Since assuming the role, he has been actively engaging with staff across all levels to identify issues and gather insights. He plans to present a detailed report to the Minister of Health outlining necessary steps to steer the hospital in the right direction. A key focus for Dr. Darroux is restoring public trust in the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH), which has faced criticism despite significant investments in modern facilities and advanced medical equipment. He highlighted the importance of motivated and satisfied staff in delivering quality healthcare and revealed plans to hire a PR consultant to improve the hospital’s public image. Dr. Darroux’s extensive career in healthcare and politics, including his current role as Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscores his commitment to strengthening Dominica’s health systems and disaster resilience.
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PAHO scales up emergency health response across the Caribbean following Hurricane Melissa
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has activated its emergency coordination and response mechanisms to address the severe health impacts caused by Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean. Over 13 tons of medical supplies have been deployed, alongside specialized experts from PAHO’s Regional Response Teams, to restore critical health services and prevent disease outbreaks. Jamaica, the most severely affected, reported extensive damage to five major hospitals, particularly in the western and southern regions. In response, PAHO, in collaboration with Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), has facilitated the deployment of Type 2 Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) from Samaritan’s Purse and the Spanish Cooperation Agency (AECID) to establish temporary hospitals in Black River and Falmouth. Additional specialists in water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), mental health, and structural engineering have been mobilized to conduct post-disaster assessments and support recovery efforts. PAHO is also coordinating health cluster activities, including shelter assessments and environmental health interventions. Despite these efforts, urgent needs remain, prompting PAHO to launch a $14.2 million donor appeal for Jamaica to support emergency medical deployments, facility rehabilitation, and outbreak prevention. In Haiti, PAHO is assessing conditions of internally displaced persons, disseminating cholera prevention messaging, and utilizing prepositioned emergency kits. Emergency supplies, including PPE, mosquito nets, and medical equipment, have been delivered to affected areas. PAHO is also preparing additional shipments for Cuba to address anticipated increases in mosquito populations and power shortages. The organization emphasized the need for sustained donor engagement to support disease surveillance, mental health services, and preventive measures across the region. PAHO remains committed to working with governments and humanitarian partners to ensure affected communities receive critical care and build future resilience.
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Direct Relief donates medical supplies to Jamaica
In a significant humanitarian effort, the US-based charity Direct Relief dispatched essential health supplies to Jamaica on Saturday, November 8th, in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The aid shipment, which arrived via a cargo plane, included vital resources such as diabetes medication, general health supplies, insect repellent, and tents. These materials aim to address immediate medical needs and bolster the island’s resilience in the aftermath of the storm. Genevieve Bitter, Vice President of Operations for Direct Relief, emphasized the organization’s mission to strengthen global health systems and improve access to medical resources. ‘Jamaica’s people are in urgent need, and we are committed to bridging the gap by providing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies,’ she stated. Hurricane Melissa, which struck western Jamaica on October 28th, left significant damage in its wake, prompting this timely intervention. Direct Relief’s contribution underscores its ongoing commitment to supporting communities in crisis worldwide.
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Bayview launches Executive Medical Program for preventative health screenings
Bayview Hospital, a leading healthcare institution in the Caribbean, has unveiled its latest initiative—the Bayview Executive Medical Program—just five months after opening its urgent care department. This innovative program is designed to prioritize prevention and proactive health management, offering tailored health check packages for business leaders, employees, families, and individuals.
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Vijftien Surinamers behalen artsendiploma in Cuba
Fifteen Surinamese students have successfully earned their medical degrees from Cuban universities and are now preparing to contribute their expertise to the healthcare sector. The group celebrated their academic achievements during an international graduation ceremony held at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana on Wednesday, alongside graduates from 24 other countries. Among the graduates, fourteen were sponsored by Suriname’s Ministry of Health and began their studies in 2018, while one student, Mark Asgar-Ali, pursued dentistry independently, fully funded by his parents. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, all students demonstrated remarkable discipline and perseverance to complete their six-year programs. Elvida Kwadjanie was honored with the título de oro, the highest academic distinction for exceptional performance. The ceremony was attended by Surinamese Ambassador Wendy Paulus-Aminta, First Embassy Secretary Audrey Padma-Vogeland, and family members who traveled to Cuba to witness the milestone. Their presence highlighted the strong ties between Suriname and its students abroad. The newly graduated doctors will soon return to Suriname, where they are expected to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation congratulated the graduates, praising their dedication and commitment. ‘Their achievement is not only a personal milestone but also an investment in the future of our country,’ the ministry stated. The graduates include Amautan Varousca, Ardjosoediro Nicole, Asgar-Ali Mark, Autar Ruchir, Charles Lydia, Dosoe Tatshana, Esajas Eranzo, Fong Tin Joeng Sharoline, Heuvel Xaina, Khemai Wanisha, Kleyenburg Arvin, Kwadjanie Elvida, Ramdas Sivaida, Vorswijk Arno, and Winter Carol-Ann.
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Veterinary Team Expands African Swine Fever Surveillance to Barbuda
In a proactive move to shield its pig farming sector from the devastating African Swine Fever (ASF), the Ministry of Agriculture has broadened its surveillance efforts to include Barbuda. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the health of Antigua and Barbuda’s livestock and maintain regional food security. A delegation from the Veterinary and Livestock Division, spearheaded by Alexandria Dowdey, recently conducted a field visit to Barbuda to gather blood samples from local pig herds. Three farmers on the island voluntarily participated in this regional pilot project, underscoring the community’s commitment to disease prevention. The ASF pilot program is a collaborative endeavor involving the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Ministry of Agriculture. It aligns with the government’s broader objectives of enhancing food and nutrition security through rigorous livestock monitoring and disease control measures. Simultaneously, fieldwork in Antigua has been advancing steadily, with technicians collecting 35 blood samples from four additional farms, edging closer to the target of 80 samples. These samples are slated for specialized testing at Plum Island on November 7. The testing is crucial to verify that Antigua and Barbuda remain free of ASF, a highly contagious viral disease with a near 100 percent mortality rate in pigs. While ASF poses no threat to human health, it represents a significant risk to regional food production and the livelihoods of farmers. By extending surveillance to Barbuda, veterinary authorities aim to bolster early detection capabilities and safeguard the nation’s livestock, a cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s food security strategy.
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Jenny Christopher zwaait nu de scepter bij RGD
The Regional Health Service Foundation (RGD) in Suriname has welcomed a new director, Jenny Christopher, effective November 1, 2025. Appointed by André Misiekaba, Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare, Christopher will lead the organization responsible for primary healthcare in Suriname’s coastal region. She succeeds Radjesh Radjkoemar, bringing a wealth of experience in education, administration, and policy development. Christopher began her career as a financial analyst and economics lecturer, later becoming a pivotal figure in Suriname’s education system. She served as a training coordinator, deputy director, and curriculum developer at the Institute for Teacher Education (IOL), dedicating years to enhancing teacher professionalism and educational standards. Beyond academia, Christopher has been a policy advisor at the Ministry of Education, a member of the Presidential Education Task Force, and secretary of the board at Anton de Kom University. She has also held supervisory roles, including as president-commissioner of BGVS and chair of the supervisory board of Suriname’s Psychiatric Center. Christopher expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her, stating, ‘It is an honor to lead an organization that plays such a vital role in the preventive and primary health of our community. Together with the RGD team and our partners, we aim to build accessible and high-quality care for all while ensuring the organization’s financial health.’ Her appointment aligns with the Ministry’s strategy to strengthen primary healthcare and modernize RGD’s operations. The foundation’s board and staff have warmly welcomed her, wishing her success in her new role.