Health - ZJB Radio

Minister of Health Reveals 2026 Plans for the Sector

The Government of Montserrat plans to take healthcare to the people in 2026. Portfolio minister Dr. the Hon. Ingrid Buffonge says the use of a mobile service will boost screening programs to ensure diabetic and hypertensive patients are diagnosed early. She says persons who have complications from these conditions, are at increased risk of cerebral vascular disease, stroke, heart disease, and other aspects of heart disease. The minister emphasizes the importance finding these persons early as there is a lot that can be done in primary healthcare to prevent strokes and heart attacks in the first place. Dr. Buffonge also notes that Peripheral Vascular Disease circulatory problems are prevalent in Montserrat, and this proactive approach would reduce death and disability from the chronic non-communicable diseases. She says the ministry wants to also increase efforts in finding cancers early through strong screening programs, and investigating patient’s concerns. These screening programmes, Dr. Buffonge emphasized, will help to remind patients to do their tests and help the health service to diagnose and monitor cases. The Ministry of Health and Social Services officially commissioned a Mobile Medical Van and a Solar Portable Storage Container in December. The Van, which was specifically customized for Montserrat, is designed to support on-site health screenings and immunizations; basic laboratory testing; treatment of acute and chronic illnesses; and the delivery of women’s health services including pelvic exams and mammograms.

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Ministry of Health and Social Services Implements New Healthcare Fee Structure

Health

Tuesday, 3 February 2026 (GIU, Montserrat) – The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) will implement a new healthcare fee structure at the Glendon Hospital, effective 4th February 2026. The new fee structure is aimed at improving access to medical services and ensuring greater equity across the population. Under the Public Hospital (Amendment) Regulations, Statutory Rules and Orders (S.R.O.) 1 of 2026; the following will take effect as of Wednesday, 4 February 2026: All other persons accessing care will pay two times the rate for services offered by the Ministry of Health and Social Services as stipulated by law. This includes CARICOM nationals and citizens of the Dominican Republic who have not been resident for at least 3 years. Individuals must present proof of residency to the Medical Records Department before accessing non-emergency services in order to benefit from this amendment. This documentation must be obtained from the Immigration Department. The public is advised that the new fee structure does not erase or forgive existing medical bills. All outstanding balances must still be settled. For assistance, persons are asked to contact Medical Records at Glendon Hospital at 491-2552. The Ministry of Health and Social Services remains committed to ensuring accessible, fair, and sustainable healthcare services for all residents of Montserrat.

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Health Officials from St. Helena to Visit Montserrat for Systems Exchange

Community, Health, News

The Ministry of Health and Social Services on Montserrat is preparing to host health officials from St. Helena on a reciprocal health systems exchange. St. Helena’s Minister of Health and Social Care, Martin Henry, and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Peter Ross will visit Montserrat from February 3rd to 10th 2026. The visit is supported and facilitated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) aimed at fostering mutual understanding of how the aid-dependent health systems in the two UK Overseas Territories operate. Both Montserrat and St. Helena are small in size with a population of under 5000 people, and share similarities in the provision of Primary and Secondary health care and the implementation of an overseas referral system for cases requiring advance or specialist interventions. The discussions during the week will focus on health legislation, governance and regulatory frameworks for standards of care and provision of services, as well as health financing possibilities in the small economies. Other areas for discussion will include the role of UK support in sustaining essential services and investing in public health infrastructure, such as the New National Hospital which is currently being constructed on Montserrat. A date for Montserrat’s Health officials to visit St. Helena as part of this reciprocal health exchange is being finalized, and will be confirmed at a later date. The Ministry of Health and Social Services looks forward to learning and exploring new ways and best practices for the continued enhancement of health care on island.

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Public Health Discussion Planned on Cancers in March

Health

Residents of Montserrat stand to benefit from an upcoming and important public health discussion on the management of breast and prostate cancers. Oncologist and Haematologist, Dr. Perrie Ryan, is set to make his second professional visit to the island where he will lead a town hall meeting, set for Tuesday, March 10th. Organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the meeting will take place at the Davy Hill Community Centre starting at 7:00 p.m. It will focus on modern approaches to cancer management, including the importance of early detection, current treatment options, and strategies for patient empowerment. The Ministry says the session is designed to be interactive and accessible, giving members of the public the opportunity to ask questions, and gain valuable insight into these critical health issues affecting the community.

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New National Hospital on Track to Meet 2027 Completion

Government, Health, News

Governor Her Excellency Harriet Cross has given a positive review on the construction of the island’s new hospital. Following a recent visit to the new hospital site, Governor Cross said she is encouraged by the level of progress made in just under a year with several floors already being constructed, and the site busy with activity. She said medical equipment is already on order, and that the project is on track to be completed and operational by March 2027. The new hospital is expected to deliver State-of-the-art emergency care, comprehensive management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), on-site cancer screenings and improved systems for medical evacuations. The project is being spearheaded by Saint Lucia-based firm Construction & Industrial Equipment (CIE) Ltd.

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Mobile Clinic Screens 84 People for HIV on World AIDS Day

Community, Health, News

84 persons got tested for HIV through the Ministry of Health’s Mobile Clinic on World AIDS Day last week. This was reported by Community Nursing Manager, Nurse Alex Ackie on the Talking Health Radio Programme. On December 1st, the mobile clinic went to three locations on Montserrat to provide safe and confidential HIV testing to the public. Nurse Ackie shared details about the day, highlighting the large amount of men that got tested.

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Ministry of Health and Social Services Commissions New Mobile Medical Van and Storage Container for Montserrat

Health, News, OECS

A new Mobile Medical Van and Storage Container for Montserrat were commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Social Services on Wednesday morning. The van and storage container were procured through the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Direct Relief project. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross lauded the developments in Montserrat’s health sector, and thanked the health staff for their work. In his remarks, Premier, the Hon. Reuben T. Meade highlighted the continued support of the OECS, noting the difficulty Montserrat often faces with other funding agencies. Meanwhile, acting permanent secretary, Viona Alexander-Smith explained the purpose of the mobile van and storage unit, saying these support the ministry’s strategic targets by increasing accessibility to healthcare and improving public health outcomes.

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Government of Montserrat Poised to Sign MOU with Guadeloupe

Health, News

The Government is poised to sign Memorandum of Understanding with Guadeloupe that will boost healthcare for residents in Montserrat. Minister of Health, Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge says she is taking the MOU to the Cabinet, that allows Montserrat to have a better relationship with nearby hospitals that have tertiary centers. Dr. Buffonge was speaking at the recent Diaspora Leadership Conference.

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The Ministry of Health Raises the Ante in Tackling Diabetes as part of World Diabetes Day 2025

Community, Government, Health, News

As Montserrat joined the observance of World Diabetes Day on Friday, November 14, the Ministry of Health embarked on an awareness campaign to highlight the health threat posed by diabetes. Established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991, the day is used to raise awareness about different types of diabetes, promote prevention, and support those living with the condition. Minister for Health, Dr. The Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, was part of a panel on radio Montserrat Friday morning discussing diabetes, well-being issues, and how these could be addressed. Dr., the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge Each year, the IDF chooses a new theme to focus on a specific aspect of diabetes. Recent themes include “Diabetes and the Workplace” and “Diabetes across life stages.” The day is marked by a wide range of global campaigns, lectures, screenings, and meetings. Activities often involve using the color blue, which is the official color for World Diabetes Day. People can get involved by sharing information, participating in events, and raising the profile of the cause.

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Leading Voice in Diabetes Education Holds Public Outreach Sessions across Montserrat

Community, Health, News

UK-based Diabetes Ambassador and Advocate Tony Kelly is currently on island leading a series of public sessions aimed at raising awareness about the disease, and the need to make healthy lifestyle choices. Mr Kelly, who has been a leading voice for diabetes education across the UK and the Caribbean, is meeting with communities across Montserrat this week to share practical information, and to distribute educational materials on the prevention and management of the disease. Mr Kelly- who has led similar initiatives across the Caribbean and North America, is urging residents to take diabetes prevention and management more seriously, highlighting the growing number of lower limb amputations linked to the disease. Speaking ahead of his public outreach sessions on island, the diabetes ambassador called on Montserratians to attend in large numbers and learn practical ways to care for their health. On Monday, November 3, Mr. Kelly met with members of the Spanish-speaking community at the Davy Hill Community Centre. Upcoming sessions include- Thursday, November 6, at the Emmanuel Apostolic Faith Church in St. John’s for residents of the Haitian community, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM; Friday, November 7, at Julian’s Bar in Salem for residents of Salem and surrounding areas, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Saturday, November 8 at the New Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Church in St John’s for the Seventh-Day Adventist community and residents in the surrounding areas; and Monday, November 10, at the Davy Hill Community Centre for the general public, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.

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