fp Turks and Caicos

When the Turks and Caicos Islands entered into a public-private partnership (PPP) with Interhealth Canada, it was a first for the country. Now only months since the opening of the two hospital facilities, the partnership is making headlines on the world stage as a shinning example of a government working successfully with a private investor.

Last week a documentary film about life at Cheshire Hall was shown to thousands of medical professionals attending the Global Health Council Conference in Washington, showcasing the successful outcome of the partnership.

Delegates heard how the PPP in the TCI is an “ideal solution” for other countries looking to improve and upgrade its health provisions.

“PPPs are well-known in other sectors yet still relatively rare in global health,” explained a spokesman for medical filmmakers, Global Health TV, who produced the documentary.

“Interhealth Canada has partnered with the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health to provide a new health system and hospitals which the government could not afford on its own.

“Global Health TV visited the islands to find out how the new system is working, and how PPPs could be an ideal solution in many countries.”

The documentary features interviews with both staff and patients, including chief medical officer Dr. Robyn Barnes.

Interhealth Canada TCI Chief Executive Roger Cheesman said he was proud to have had the hospitals profiled at such a prestigious event.

“This really is high praise because the conference is a highly respected gathering of medical professionals. To receive praise there is a wonderful achievement, and everyone involved here in TCI should be very proud.

“To be held up as an example to others is a huge compliment. We and the TCI Ministry of Health indeed have something to shout about, and it’s nice that our success has been recognised by others.

“Already I have had enquires from representatives of other countries who have watched the documentary and are now interested in finding out how a similar health partnership can work for them.”

The Global Health Council is the world’s largest membership alliance dedicated to saving lives by improving health throughout the world.

Click HERE to see the video.