CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) is pleased to announce the initial payment of $2,500,000.00 to Pafford Medical Services, representing a critical step toward settling the arrears owed for the vital emergency medical care provided to the territory.
This payment, appropriated by the Virgin Islands Legislature through Act 8875 at the request of Governor Albert Bryan, covers services rendered by Pafford Medical Services to the Caribbean Kidney Center from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, in the amount of $2,111,507.10. The additional payments represent costs for services utilized by the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
Pafford Medical Services was initially contracted under emergency circumstances to ensure the continuity of emergency medical services in the Virgin Islands after the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Their swift response and dedicated service during these unprecedented times have been invaluable to the health and safety of Virgin Islanders.
However, it is important to note that Pafford’s services were never intended to be a permanent solution. The cost of sustaining these essential services exceeds the financial capabilities of the Virgin Islands government without the federal funds that initially supported Pafford’s services. While this initial payment addresses a portion of the arrears owed, it also underscores our commitment to ensure that Pafford is compensated for services rendered.
Governor Bryan emphasized the administration’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of the Virgin Islands community, stating, “Our administration has been steadfast in expanding and improving access to critical medical services over the past five years, including the enhancement of diabetes and dialysis care. We recognize the essential role that Pafford Medical Services has played in providing emergency care during our most challenging times, and we are grateful for their partnership.”
In November of 2021, Governor Bryan supported $1 million in funding to the Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation to establish and open an outpatient dialysis center and clinic that will provide outpatient dialysis, and renal dietetic services to residents on the Islands of St. Croix.
The governor also supported a $2.9 million grant through the American Rescue Plan Act to the V.I. Diabetes Center of Excellence and the Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation to bring free preventative education and diabetes care Virgin Islands residents.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is actively working with Pafford and other locum services to augment any existing gaps in medical services that are beyond the local capabilities. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to maintain a continuum of essential care for the Virgin Islands community.
In addition to the $2.5 million, the administration is working with the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center and the Schnieder Regional Medical Center (SRMC) to address increased staffing needs along with infrastructure expansion to accommodate more patients.
Each hospital is currently working to expand services to the dialysis population by improvements to their existing infrastructure. SRMC will provide the additional services beginning October 2024, and JFL will begin providing expanded services starting in January 2025.
Governor Bryan and his administration remain committed to the health of the territory’s residents and will continue to explore all avenues to ensure that the Virgin Islands’ healthcare system remains robust and responsive to the needs of its people.