PEU’s Partnership with the Ministry of Health and IDB
The Ministry of Health & Wellness, with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), continues to advance its mission of building a more resilient healthcare system in The Bahamas. At the center of this effort is the Project Execution Unit (PEU), charged with delivering on initiatives under the Health Strengthening Support Programme (HSSP).
Investing in Healthcare Infrastructure
A cornerstone of this program is the nearly $2 million renovation and relocation of the National Reference Laboratory. The transformation of the former Bahamas Mortgage Corporation building into a modern diagnostic facility strengthens the country’s capacity for disease surveillance, testing, and research. Backed by IDB funding, this project represents a significant step toward a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable healthcare system.
Project Highlights
• National Reference Laboratory: The lab’s relocation enhances diagnostic testing and expands access to essential testing, educing reliance on external facilities.
• IS4H Roll-out: Information Systems for Health (IS4H) has been instrumental in advancing digital transformation within the healthcare sector. The IS4H team’s work includes modernizing health information systems, enabling real-time data sharing between hospitals and laboratories, and improving epidemiological reporting. These achievements allow decision-makers to respond more quickly and effectively to public health needs.
• Ambulances Commissioned: In August 2024, the Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. Michael Darville, alongside Prime Minister Philip Davis, commissioned 15 new ambulances to be deployed across the Family Islands and the capital. This milestone underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing emergency response services and ensuring quality healthcare is accessible to all Bahamians.
• Stevenson Clinic, Cat Island: The contract signing for the Stevenson Clinic represents another major investment in Family Island healthcare. Once completed, the clinic will expand services and improve access for Cat Island residents, reinforcing the broader national goal of equitable healthcare delivery.
Building a Healthier Future
The partnership between the Ministry of Health & Wellness, the IDB, and the PEU is laying the foundation for long-term resilience in Bahamian healthcare. Citizens will benefit from faster, more accurate diagnoses, improved access to services, and stronger national health security.
The work being completed today is more than an infrastructure upgrade. It is an investment in the health and well-being of generations to come, ensuring a healthier and more resilient Bahamas.
