TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC – A brand new medical college by Ponce Well being Sciences College (PHSU) has formally launched right here to enhance healthcare entry and strengthen the medical workforce throughout the territory.
The Ministry of Well being and Social Improvement introduced the transfer earlier this week.
The Ponce Well being Sciences College, previously Ponce College of Medication & Well being Sciences, is a personal, for-profit college in Ponce, Puerto Rico and St. Louis, Missouri.
Officers say the PHSU College of Medication represents a major step in addressing doctor shortages and growing the supply of specialised medical experience within the Virgin Islands.
“This medical college is a game-changer for healthcare within the Virgin Islands,” stated Well being Minister Vincent Wheatley.
“It creates a direct pipeline for coaching the subsequent era of docs who will perceive our distinctive healthcare wants and serve our group,” he added.
Wheatley stated the establishment would supply world-class medical coaching regionally, permitting college students to remain within the territory whereas pursuing medical careers. He defined that the transfer would assist construct human capital and enhance entry to healthcare.
The brand new college can be anticipated to advertise collaboration between native healthcare suppliers and worldwide specialists. In keeping with the ministry, the establishment will facilitate scientific coaching, analysis, {and professional} exchanges.
Wheatley famous that the power “addresses crucial challenges confronted by the healthcare sector, together with doctor shortages and the necessity for specialised medical experience.” He stated the initiative additionally positions the Virgin Islands as “a hub for well being tourism and medical innovation within the area.”
As a part of its social dedication, PHSU will award full-tuition scholarships yearly to eligible Virgin Islanders, guaranteeing that monetary obstacles don’t forestall college students from getting into the medical occupation.
“The launch of this medical college is just the start of a transformative journey—one that can elevate healthcare requirements, empower our individuals, and create lasting advantages for the Virgin Islands,” Wheatley acknowledged.
