Barbados Prime Minister Unveils Vision for Health Care Sector, Emphasizing Innovation and Medical Advancements

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has outlined an ambitious vision for the future of Barbados’ health care sector, announcing plans to expand medical research, manufacturing and innovative diagnostic technologies.

Speaking yesterday at the opening of the Barbados Living Lab addition at the Best-dos Santos Lab, she emphasised the urgent need for cutting-edge solutions to enhance public health services and address emerging global health challenges.

Mottley framed her Government’s commitment to health care within a broader historical and strategic context, referencing past investments in pharmaceuticals and medical education.

“It is imperative for us to move to the next level. This Government has chosen priorities, and the priority of health, medical services, medical research, medical tourism, and medical manufacturing aligns with all that we have done as a country and all that we can do equally.”

She highlighted the importance of medical research in shaping the country’s future, noting that Barbados’ legacy in public health extends back to its historical role in medical advancements.

“This country has had the distinction of providing the region with three of the most distinguished public health doctors in the 20th century. We cannot live on 166 square miles without paying acute attention to public health and, by extension, access to affordable health care.”

The Prime Minister also underscored the country’s commitment to technological advancements in health care. She revealed that Barbados was in discussions with global firms offering cutting-edge medical solutions, including AIassisted diagnostics and portable disease testing platforms.

“Tomorrow, we will engage with a company that has created a disease testing platform adaptable to detecting a wide range of viruses, bacteria and fungi. It is a game-changer in making access to testing more affordable and widely available,” she said Mottley further disclosed that the Government was expanding its procurement strategy for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, ensuring access to state-of-the-art medical equipment.

“We are significantly recapitalising the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. I am happy that we took out the funding for the

linear accelerator, and that equipment is now here. Soon, Barbadians will no longer have to travel overseas for serious cancer treatment.”

She also pointed to the intersection of climate change and health, an area that she said would shape the future of global health care.

“The intersection between climate and health is becoming all the more critical for us to understand if we are to adapt and mitigate the damages and injuries caused to our people,” she warned.

Mottley expressed gratitude to international partners, including the European Union and Canada, for their continued support in developing Barbados’ health care sector. She also highlighted the importance of local scientific research, calling for greater efforts in unlocking the potential of Barbados’ flora for medical applications.

“We have too much flora and fauna here for us not to investigate its medicinal potential. We must not only buy back medicine in a box but produce our own.”

The Prime Minister concluded her remarks by calling for a shift in national attitudes towards health care, emphasising the importance of communication, responsiveness, and patient care.

“There is no reason for anybody to be maltreated while awaiting care. We can and must do better as a people.”

(CLM)