Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Damian Greaves revealed that the public now owes the Millennium Heights Medical Complex (MHMC) more than EC$20.5 million for healthcare services, a sharp increase from the approximately EC$16 million in outstanding debt from November 2024.
Dr. Greaves described the growing debt as a significant challenge for the island’s principal public healthcare institution, warning that unpaid bills affect the hospital’s revenue collection and thus the institution’s ability to purchase essential medical supplies, replace equipment and carry out critical repairs.
“As we speak, the public owes the hospital $20.5 million,” Greaves revealed, noting that there are cases of individual patients owing more than EC$100,000.
Despite the mounting arrears, the CEO stressed that the hospital’s commitment to providing care remains unchanged noting that “we do not turn people away if they do not have money for the services. We encourage you to pay.”
Greaves acknowledged that some patients may be unable to settle their accounts in full and encouraged those facing financial difficulties to make deposits or payment arrangements rather than ignoring their obligations altogether.
“You may not be able to pay all,” he expressed but strongly maintained that receiving care carries a responsibility to pay for the services rendered, even in the event of the patient passing.
Appealing to the public’s sense of civic responsibility, he added, “I think that our society is Christian enough not to engage in that kind of behaviour. Give to Caesar what is due to Caesar’s.”
He concluded with a reminder that safeguarding the country’s healthcare system is a shared responsibility, telling the public, “Santé nou sé zafè nou,” before adding, “We must take responsibility for our health.”
The Wednesday press conference was the first such event for the MHMC since his installation on November 1st, 2024.
The MHMC constitutes four separate medical facilities including The Owen King European Union Hospital {OKEU}, The National Wellness Center, Turning Point and the Dr. Betty Wells Urban Polyclinic.