Minister Nisbett: Alexandra Hospital Continues to Deliver First-Class Care as Services Expand

NIA CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS – The Alexandra Hospital continues to deliver excellent care and first-class medical services to the people of Nevis, demonstrating strong performance across its clinical, diagnostic, and surgical departments.

Minister of Health in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), Honourable Senator Jahnel Nisbett, told the Nevis Island Assembly during the 2026 Budget Debate that the hospital serves thousands of Nevisians and visitors every year, responding to emergencies, saving lives, and maintaining high levels of outpatient and inpatient care.

“The Alexandra Hospital is not closed. It is not failing. It is not dormant. It is functioning. It is busy, and it is carrying the weight of this island’s health care needs every single day… It is absorbing demand. It is responding to emergencies. It is saving lives. All while preparing for transformation,” she stated.

The hospital’s performance is reflected in real numbers: from January to November 25, 2025, 18,626 new patients were registered in the health information system, 17,355 patient visits were recorded, 14,789 clinical appointments were completed, and 7,795 unique individuals received direct treatment. Diagnostic services remain strong, with the laboratory averaging over 700 tests per month and radiology conducting more than 250 scans per month.

Senator Nisbett also highlighted the hospital’s financial management and patient affordability. During the period from January to November 2025, the Alexandra Hospital generated over 3 million EC dollars in patient services billing, with net collections exceeding 2.1 million EC dollars. More than 10,000 invoices were settled within this period. She emphasised that despite these collections, patients pay less than 30 EC dollars for a hospital stay, which includes three meals per day and all necessary care.

“We are not in the business of profit or price gouging,” she noted.

The Nevis Eye Care Programme, operating within the hospital, further demonstrates its capacity and quality of service. In 2025, the programme recorded 1,576 patient visits, delivered 43 diabetic laser procedures, 14 glaucoma laser treatments, and multiple cataract interventions. Two corneal transplants were completed, and dozens of complex surgeries were performed at minimal cost to patients.

“None of these patients paid more than $400 for these speciality services and surgeries. That’s free. Where else in the world? … If this is not a testimony to the quality and stability of the Alexandra Hospital, I simply do not know what is,” Senator Nisbett said.

While the hospital continues to perform at a high level, modernisation and expansion remain critical, she stated.

“As a government, we acknowledge openly that it requires modernisation, expansion, including the long overdue Alexandra Hospital Wing. And that is why this budget commits to funding the expansion of the Alexandria Hospital and not just as a ceremonial project but as a commitment made and a commitment that must be kept… We are currently in negotiations and actively engaging in discussions to secure the most favourable financing option for the people of Nevis to complete this project.”

She also emphasised that despite infrastructure gaps, clinical staff continue to deliver life-saving care under demanding conditions.

“We can acknowledge infrastructure gaps, and we can wholly defend clinical performance because health care delivery is not supposed to feel or look easy. It is hard work… The Ministry does not romanticise healthcare. We respect it and we fund it accordingly. Those who attempt to reduce the Alexandria Hospital to a construction conversation ignore the daily reality and productivity.”

The Ministry of Health, Gender Affairs and Social Empowerment will receive $43 million in funding for 2026, representing 15 percent of the total budget and the second-highest of ministerial budgetary allotments. This allocation underscores the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM)-led Government’s commitment to maintaining the hospital’s high-quality services while supporting planned modernisation and expansion.

The Alexandra Hospital remains central to the island’s healthcare system, delivering high-quality services while preparing for a modernized future that will further enhance care for all the people of Nevis and visitors alike.