Dominica’s Healthcare
Dominica’s healthcare system is overseen by the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Social Services, which incorporates public and private services. The largest public hospital, previously known as Princess Margaret Hospital, has been renamed the Dominica China Friendship Hospital after significant government upgrades. It offers emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments.
Public and Regional Hospitals
In addition to the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, other significant public hospitals include Portsmouth Hospital and the newly operational Marigot Hospital. Portsmouth Hospital serves the island’s northwest region and provides general medical services. The recently launched Marigot Hospital offers comprehensive medical services to Dominica’s northeast, improving access to healthcare in that area. All these public hospitals are overseen by the Dominica Hospitals Authority, which ensures efficient management and governance across the healthcare system.
Primary Healthcare and Social Programs
The government provides free primary healthcare at seven health centers and 44 clinics across the island, focusing on preventive care and routine medical services. Specialized care is accessible to specific groups, such as children under 17 and pregnant women. Community health workers (CHWs) are key in extending healthcare services in rural areas. These workers, trained in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and World Health Organization (WHO), support healthcare delivery in more remote regions.
Programs like the Yes We Care Programme provide elderly care, ensuring vulnerable populations receive home-based healthcare. CHANCES, a child care and protection centre, the Bureau of Gender Affairs and the Social Welfare Division offer social services that complement the healthcare system by supporting at-risk individuals and families.
Specialized Healthcare Units and Private Facilities
Dominica’s healthcare system includes several specialized units, such as the Environmental Health Unit, which oversees public health issues like sanitation, food safety, and disease prevention. The National HIV and AIDS Response Programme (NHARP) manages HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and treatment. Additionally, the National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit addresses substance abuse through education and rehabilitation initiatives.
In private healthcare, facilities like the St. Joseph Medical Center provide outpatient services, diagnostics, and consultations. Private general practitioners and specialists also contribute to Dominica’s healthcare network. The All Saints University School of Medicine in Roseau continues to train medical professionals and offer healthcare-related services, further enhancing the island’s healthcare system.
Although the Ross University School of Medicine relocated to Barbados following Hurricane Maria, it once played a significant role in Dominica’s healthcare landscape by providing medical education and contributing to the local economy and healthcare services.
Healthcare Funding and Development
Dominica’s healthcare infrastructure has been supported through various funding sources, including the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which has contributed significantly to rebuilding and upgrading healthcare facilities. Projects funded by the CBI program include the modernization of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital and the renovation of health centers throughout the island.
In addition, the government’s Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan (CRRP) focuses on building resilient healthcare facilities capable of withstanding natural disasters. This is part of a broader strategy to ensure that healthcare services remain operational during and after emergencies.
Future Directions
Dominica is committed to improving its healthcare system by expanding access to care, enhancing infrastructure, and training healthcare professionals. Continued partnerships with international organizations such as PAHO and WHO, along with government initiatives, aim to strengthen Dominica’s capacity to provide high-quality healthcare to all its residents.