An island nation in the Caribbean, Dominica is classified by the World Bank Group as an upper middle income country and has a population of 72,400.[1] Its Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment expenditures are financed primarily from general revenues. Fees are collected by the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (formerly the Princess Margaret Hospital) and Central Medical Stores. Primary level health services are, on the whole, provided free of charge at point of use. Dominica Social Security provides sickness, maternity, injury and medical benefits to its beneficiaries. Most of these benefits are related to formal employment.
Health financing data for Dominica
In 2021, current health expenditure (CHE) in Dominica was 6.5% of GDP, and out-of- pocket expenditure was 23.8% of CHE.[1] That same year, public expenditure on health accounted for 4.17% of GDP (below the 6% recommended by the Pan American Health Organization).
Multiple challenges are evident, and solutions are proposed
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment acknowledges multiple challenges including both service delivery capacity and health financing. The tax base for the country is understandably small (given the population and GDP), and there are multiple competing priorities that constrain public funding for health. Solutions proposed include establishing and focusing on primary health care.
References
[1] World Health Organization, Global Health Expenditure Database, Indicators and Data (choose country)
