The medical structure of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two-island public-private healthcare system. It provides a range of medical services from primary care to specialized treatments, supported by government-funded institutions, private clinics, and regional health partnerships.
Healthcare System Overview
Type: Mixed — public and private
- Public healthcare is available to all citizens and residents.
- Private healthcare offers faster access and additional services for those who can pay or have insurance.
- The Ministry of Health is the main governing body for health services.
Key Medical Institutions
On Saint Kitts:
1. Joseph N. France General Hospital (JNF Hospital) – Basseterre
- Main public hospital on Saint Kitts
- Offers:
- Emergency services
- Maternity and neonatal care
- General surgery
- Internal medicine
- Radiology and lab testing
- Also serves as a referral center for smaller clinics on the island
2. Pogson Medical Centre – Sandy Point
- Secondary medical facility
- Provides outpatient care and minor emergencies
3. Private Clinics & Specialty Practices
- Examples: Island Medical Specialists, Caribbean Allergy & Respiratory Centre, Simmonds Medical Centre
- Offer general practice, dermatology, dental care, pediatrics, and gynecology
On Nevis:
1. Alexandra Hospital – Charlestown
- Main hospital on Nevis
- Offers:
- 24/7 emergency care
- Maternity and surgical services
- Dialysis and diagnostic imaging
- Serves both locals and tourists
2. Community Health Centres
- Located in villages such as Gingerland, Combermere, and Newcastle
- Provide primary care, vaccinations, and maternal-child health services
3. Private Practices
- Small private clinics provide GP services, lab tests, and specialist referrals
Public Health and Primary Care
- Delivered through health centers and district medical officers
- Services include:
- Immunization
- Family planning
- Health education
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension)
- School health programs
Emergency Services
- 24/7 ambulance services operate on both islands
- Emergency lines: 911 or 311
- Air ambulance services available for medical evacuation (to Puerto Rico, U.S., or other Caribbean islands)
Medical Workforce
- Doctors, nurses, and specialists are trained locally and internationally (Cuba, U.S., U.K., Trinidad).
- Ongoing training supported by PAHO/WHO and Caribbean Medical Council.
Medical Education
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine – Located in St. Kitts (not human medicine, but internationally recognized).
- Many local students attend medical schools in Cuba, Jamaica, or Trinidad under scholarship agreements.
Pharmaceutical Services
- Available through:
- Government pharmacies (low-cost medications)
- Private pharmacies (wider selection, higher prices)
- Basic medications are widely available; specialized drugs may require importation
International and Regional Support
- PAHO/WHO, CARPHA, and OECS Health Unit support training, disease control, and health policy.
- Collaborations with Taiwan, Cuba, and USAID for medical outreach and disaster preparedness.
Health Insurance
- No universal national health insurance yet (in development).
- Public healthcare is low-cost or free, but private care requires payment or private insurance.
