Government Weighs Helicopter Medevacs for Sister Islands
Health Minister Vincent Wheatley told the House of Assembly that the government is negotiating with a helicopter service for emergency medical transfers from the sister islands, although costs are still being considered. Opposition Leader Marlon Penn pressed for progress on reliable evacuations for Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada residents who need urgent treatment on Tortola.
Opposition Leader Marlon Penn has pressed Health Minister Vincent Wheatley in the House of Assembly on the government's plans to improve emergency medical transfers for residents of the sister islands, amid continued uncertainty over a dedicated evacuation service. Wheatley said the BVI Health Services Authority currently contracts a private vessel for emergencies on Virgin Gorda, while an agreement with VISAR has strengthened evacuation capabilities for Jost Van Dyke and Anegada.
Asked whether the government intends to acquire a specialised medical vessel or set up a public-private partnership, Wheatley disclosed that negotiations were underway with a helicopter service, although costs remained under consideration. He said buying a dedicated medical boat would cost nearly $1 million, with annual operating costs also approaching $1 million, and that helicopters could provide the most efficient service but might not be the cheapest option.
Penn cautioned against letting cost decide whether residents receive potentially lifesaving transport, saying "you cannot put a dollar figure on a life," and questioned where helicopters would land. Wheatley said he was awaiting further details of the helicopter proposal before deciding on the most suitable option.
Primary source: BVI News