Medical Services in the British Virgin Islands

Abstract

An outline of the geography and history of the British Virgin Islands precedes a review of the present state of medical services in the islands. The collapse of the West Indian plantation economy following emancipation of slaves was followed by a regression to a peasant economy lasting almost a century. The existing political system, financial resources, capital developments, and external aid form a background to the medical services provided. The small, independent population of 10,500 has all the needs, requirements, and demands of many larger states. Services are heavily subsidized by government and coexist with private medical practice. Although the ratio of medical staff to patients is low, a variety of services are provided, especially in public health, maternity care, and child welfare. Some surgery is performed in the islands. A reasonable spectrum of laboratory services exists and is associated with a small blood bank. Environmental sanitation is at an early stage of development but mosquito eradication and garbage and sewage disposal are receiving increasing attention. The future of the medical program depends on efficient financing, economic use of staff, and the reduction of private medical care. The service requires patience and commitment but is a challenging situation for the doctors.