AGP Executive Report

Hospital Flooding & Accountability: Princess Margaret Hospital’s newly renovated Accident and Emergency unit flooded during heavy rains, with the Public Hospitals Authority saying water collected outside the building before entering via the ambulance bay doors, while Free National Movement shadow health minister Dr. Duane Sands called the explanation “not acceptable.” Medical Malpractice Appeal: An Appeal Court refused to overturn a $3.6m malpractice ruling against Dr. Gregory Carey after a baby suffered brain damage during childbirth at Princess Margaret Hospital, with the court citing failed delivery attempts before a consultant arrived. Heart Disease Focus: Bahamas renewed its push to curb high heart disease and other non-communicable diseases at the Caribbean Cardiac Society conference at Atlantis, with officials pointing to local findings from a PAHO-supported STEPS survey. Public Health Preparedness: Senior health officials briefed Prime Minister Philip Davis on proposed International Health Regulations amendments, including a plan for a National IHR Authority to coordinate whole-of-government emergency response. Youth Health Pipeline: Bahamas Baptist University College launched a Pre-Nursing, Pharmacy & Allied Health Summer Camp for teens, ending with a white coat ceremony and student healthcare innovation showcase. Violence & Community Safety: Police investigated a fatal shooting in Chippingham and a separate stabbing in Palm Beach, while separate charges were filed over Independence Day murders in Bain Town. Power Outages Hit Health Access: The Bahamas Chamber warned that continuing power disruptions are forcing pharmacies and other businesses to close or lose stock, raising risks for safe operations.

Hospital Accountability: The Bahamas Court of Appeal upheld a $3.6m medical malpractice ruling against Dr. Gregory Carey in a 2012 childbirth case, where a baby suffered brain damage, cerebral palsy and seizures after failed delivery attempts at Princess Margaret Hospital. Public Health Preparedness: Prime Minister Philip Davis was briefed on International Health Regulations amendments, including plans for a National IHR Authority to coordinate a whole-of-government response during outbreaks. Health System Strain: Opposition leader Dr. Duane Sands criticized Princess Margaret Hospital flooding in the new emergency department, saying the official explanation about “extraordinary volume of water” isn’t acceptable and raising concerns about public health readiness. Youth Health Pipeline: Bahamas Baptist University College launched a Pre-Nursing, Pharmacy & Allied Health Summer Camp for teens, with clinical simulations and a white coat ceremony to build future healthcare workers. Community Health & Safety: Authorities investigated separate violent incidents over the weekend, including a fatal shooting in Chippingham and a stabbing in Palm Beach that sent two men to hospital.

IHR Update: Senior health officials met Prime Minister Philip Davis to discuss implementing International Health Regulations amendments, including a proposed National IHR Authority to coordinate a whole-of-government response during public health emergencies, with the Ministry of Health & Wellness staying the technical lead. Hospital Safety: Grand Bahama’s Rand Memorial Hospital faced major surgery cancellations after reports of a leaky roof and broken air conditioning raised unsafe conditions concerns. Public Health Workforce: Nurses are demanding action over mould in Rand Memorial Hospital trailers, citing rising health risks for staff and patients. Violence & Care Access: Police investigated a fatal shooting in Chippingham and a separate stabbing in Palm Beach that sent two men to hospital. Youth Health Pipeline: Bahamas Baptist University College launched a Pre-Nursing, Pharmacy & Allied Health Summer Camp for 25 teens, using simulations and lab work to build future healthcare interest. Marine Health & Conservation: New research highlights how high-resolution mapping of seagrass meadows can support conservation—important for coastal protection and fisheries. Food Safety at Sea: Carnival Cruise Line responded after a viral incident involving a passenger scratching a possibly infected foot with a dinner fork, saying the fork was removed from service.

Youth Health Exposure: Bahamas Baptist University College (BBUC) launched its inaugural Pre-Nursing, Pharmacy & Allied Health Summer Camp, training 25 teens (ages 13–17) with 100+ hours of instruction, clinical simulations, lab work, and a white coat ceremony plus healthcare innovation showcase. Hospital Safety Concerns: Major surgeries at Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama were suspended after reports of a leaky roof and broken air conditioning, raising patient safety worries. Workplace Health & Mould Claims: The Bahamas Nurses Union is pushing for results of environmental tests at Rand’s temporary hospital trailers after nurses reported odour, sore throats, and irritation linked to mould concerns. Public Health & Regulation: The Ministry of Agriculture announced a crackdown on irresponsible dog ownership, including fixed-penalty fines, expanded enforcement, and an amnesty period for owners to spay or neuter unsterilised dogs. Medication Safety: Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association president Dr. Marvin Smith says tackling black-market GLP-1 drugs will require more inspectors both at pharmacies and at ports/mail to stop unregulated medicines entering the country. Community Health Access: Dr. Chris Fosker of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre shared a model for delivering specialist oncology care locally while staying connected to international centres at a regional oncology conference. Local Violence Update: Police are investigating two separate incidents after a man was fatally shot in Chippingham and two others were injured in a stabbing in Palm Beach. Trade & Health Link: The U.S. imposed a 12.5% forced-labor tariff on Bahamian exports, with local officials warning of potential pressure on key industries tied to healthcare supply chains.

Hospital Safety & Staff Health: Nurses at Rand Memorial Hospital’s temporary trailers in Grand Bahama say they’ve experienced odours, sore throats and irritation linked to mould concerns, and are still awaiting environmental test results after an inspection and promised cleaning. Care Disruption: Major surgeries at Rand were cancelled when a leaky roof and broken air conditioning reportedly created unsafe conditions, with officials and former health minister Duane Sands pointing to maintenance and investment gaps. Public Health & Community: The Bahamas Diabetes Association’s Kids with Diabetes Summer Camp 2026 welcomed PAHO/WHO support, while PAHO backed a Ministry of Health workshop to strengthen health accounts capacity and supported midwives at a symposium. Policy & Prevention: Government says it will launch a crackdown on irresponsible dog ownership with fixed-penalty fines, expanded enforcement, and an amnesty to get dogs spayed or neutered. Medicine Safety: Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association president Dr. Marvin Smith says tackling black market GLP-1 drugs will require more inspectors at pharmacies and at ports/mail to stop unregulated medicines entering the country. Regional Health Systems: Dr. Chris Fosker of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre shared a model for delivering specialist oncology care locally at a Caribbean oncology conference.

Hospital Safety: Rand Memorial Hospital surgeries were suspended after reports of a leaky roof and broken air conditioning, raising patient-safety concerns on Grand Bahama. Workplace Health: The Bahamas Nurses Union is demanding results of environmental tests for mould concerns in temporary Rand Memorial Hospital trailers, after nurses reported odours and irritation. Public Health & Medicines: Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association president Dr. Marvin Smith says cracking down on black market GLP-1 weight-loss drugs will require more inspectors at pharmacies and at ports/mail to stop unregulated imports. Animal Health & Community Safety: The Ministry of Agriculture announced a crackdown on irresponsible dog ownership, including fixed-penalty fines, expanded enforcement, and an amnesty to get dogs spayed or neutered. Cancer Care Access: Dr. Chris Fosker shared Bermuda’s model for delivering specialist oncology care locally at a regional Caribbean oncology conference, highlighting improved access across the Caribbean. Health Policy: The Ministry of Health explained a “gap” in organ transplants, as authorities continue to address access challenges.

Hospital Safety Alarm (Grand Bahama): Surgeries at Rand Memorial Hospital were suspended after leaky roofing and broken air conditioning raised unsafe conditions, with nurses also reporting mould concerns in temporary trailers and demanding results of environmental tests. Medication Safety (Bahamas): The Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association says cracking down on black-market GLP-1 weight-loss drugs will require more inspectors at pharmacies and at ports/mail to stop unregulated medicines entering the country. Public Health & Pets: The Ministry of Agriculture announced a crackdown on irresponsible dog ownership, including fixed-penalty fines, expanded enforcement, and an amnesty period to get dogs spayed or neutered. Trade Pressure on Health Supply Chains: The U.S. moved ahead with forced-labour-related tariffs that could raise costs for Bahamian exports, with government officials saying they’re seeking clarification and assessing impacts on key industries. Regional Health Collaboration: Dr. Chris Fosker shared approaches to improving access to specialist oncology care in a generalist setting at a Caribbean cancer conference.

Hospital Safety & Staffing: Rand Memorial Hospital surgeries were suspended after a leaky roof and broken air conditioning, while nurses also raised concerns about mould in temporary trailers and are still awaiting environmental test results. Cardiac Care Update: Doctors Hospital says it has completed nearly 70 cardiac catheterisations since restarting the service, warning many people live with heart disease unknowingly. Renal Transplants: Health Minister Dr Michael Darville says the renal transplant programme is still building local capacity, with no date set for a second procedure. GLP-1 Black Market: The Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association president says cracking down on unregulated GLP-1 will require more inspectors at pharmacies and ports; former Health Minister Duane Sands urged tougher action and warned against buying from unlicensed sellers. Public Health & Environment: Bahamas Protected Areas Fund warns stony coral tissue loss disease has already affected about 80% of vulnerable stony coral species, calling for sustained monitoring and coordinated response. Animal Health: Government will launch a crackdown on irresponsible dog ownership with fixed-penalty fines, expanded enforcement, and an amnesty for spay/neuter. Trade & Health Costs: The US imposed new 12.5% forced-labour tariffs on Bahamas exports, with government saying it is seeking clarification and assessing impacts on key industries.

Tariff Pressure on Exports: The Bahamas says the U.S. “forced labour” tariff hit is adding “more pain” for exporters after Washington imposed a 12.5% rate, with officials saying they’re seeking clarification and reviewing impacts on sectors like fisheries and polymers. Health & Safety—GLP-1 Black Market: Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association president Marvin Smith warns that stopping unregulated GLP-1 weight-loss drugs will require more inspectors both at pharmacies and at ports for incoming packages. Transplant Programme Update: Health Minister Dr Michael Darville says the renal transplant programme is still building local capacity, with no date set for a second procedure as training and equipment work continues. Cancer Care Access: Doctors Hospital reports nearly 70 cardiac catheterisations since restarting the procedure, while also outlining broader healthcare investments and renovations. Coral Disease Alert: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund raises alarm over Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, saying about 80% of vulnerable stony coral species have already been affected. Forensic DNA Progress: PM Philip Davis says in-country DNA testing for Independence Day plane crash victims is a “work in progress,” with funding confirmed for testing of the 10 victims. Preventive Child Health: Cesslyn Pediatrics in Nassau highlights routine wellness checks, immunisations, and developmental tracking as key to preventing illness and easing parent anxiety.

Renal Transplants Update: Health Minister Dr Michael Darville says the renal transplant programme’s first living-donor kidney transplant in June 2025 was successful, but a second procedure has no set date as staff are trained, theatres renovated and anti-rejection medication secured. GLP-1 Safety Warning: Dr Duane Sands blasts the GLP-1 black market, warning people who buy discounted weight-loss drugs from unlicensed sellers risk serious complications. Local DNA Testing Progress: After the July 10 plane crash killed 10 people, the government will fund DNA testing abroad, while Attorney General Wayne Munroe says local DNA capacity could be available before year-end. Cancer & Heart Care Signals: Doctors Hospital reports nearly 70 cardiac catheterisations since restarting the procedure in February, and highlights heart disease often goes unnoticed until it becomes dangerous. Public Health Watch: Dr Darville says The Bahamas is on high alert for cyclospora linked to a US outbreak, with no cases reported locally. Coral Disease Alarm: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund warns about Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, saying about 80% of vulnerable stony coral species have already been impacted. HIV Elimination Roadmap: A MOHW workshop with PAHO/WHO support focuses on sustaining EMTCT of HIV and advancing triple elimination of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. Healthcare Investment: Doctors Hospital begins a $7m renovation and outlines broader healthcare investments, including a new Grand Bahama hospital and imaging centre.

Renal Transplants: Health Minister Dr Michael Darville says the Bahamas is still training a local team and renovating facilities before a second living-donor kidney transplant, with no date set after the first June 2025 operation. Forensic DNA: PM Philip Davis calls DNA testing “a work in progress” after the July 10 Andros plane crash; Darville confirms the government will fund DNA identification, with hopes for in-country lab capacity later this year. GLP-1 Safety: Former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands slams the GLP-1 black market, warning unlicensed sellers can lead to dangerous complications, as the government continues work to make GLP-1 options available via NHI for eligible patients. Heart Screening: Doctors Hospital reports nearly 70 cardiac catheterisations since February, urging people to get checked because many live with heart disease without symptoms. Cyclospora Alert: Darville says the Bahamas is on high alert for cyclospora after a US outbreak, noting no local cases yet but watching for gastrointestinal illness linked to imported produce. Diabetes Support: PAHO/WHO backs the Bahamas Diabetes Association’s Kids with Diabetes Summer Camp with education and activity materials for self-management and wellness. Workplace Safety: The Department of Labour halts construction work over Health and Safety at Work Act breaches, while the Contractors Association pushes for better employer awareness. Coral Disease Watch: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund warns Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease is spreading and threatens reef-building corals, calling for coordinated monitoring and response. Cancer Care Focus: A regional Health Check highlights the need for more equitable, connected cancer care across the Caribbean.

Cyclospora Watch: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says The Bahamas is on high alert after a US cyclospora outbreak, noting no local cases yet but warning that imported produce could raise risk and that symptoms may take up to two weeks to appear. Forensic DNA Support: The government will cover DNA testing costs for victims of the July 10 Andros plane crash after remains were sent to a US lab for identification, with officials saying local testing capacity could be available before year-end. Workplace Safety Push: The Department of Labour halted unsafe work at four construction sites in western New Providence for serious Health and Safety at Work Act breaches, including missing PPE, unsafe height work, and lack of basic emergency supplies. Reef Health Alarm: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund is raising the alarm on Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, saying most susceptible stony corals in The Bahamas have already been impacted and calling for coordinated monitoring and response. Midwives & Diabetes Care: PAHO/WHO backed midwives at the International Day of the Midwife symposium and supported the Bahamas Diabetes Association’s Kids with Diabetes Summer Camp with education and activity materials. Community Nutrition: Carnival Corporation expanded its surplus meal donation programme to The Bahamas, redirecting prepared meals to local children’s and community organisations.

Cyclospora Watch: Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says The Bahamas is “on high alert” after a cyclospora outbreak in the US, with no confirmed local cases yet; officials are monitoring gastrointestinal illness and noting that imported produce—especially salad greens like iceberg lettuce—could be a risk. Forensic DNA for Andros Crash: The government will cover DNA testing costs to identify victims from the July 10 Flamingo Air crash in Andros, where remains are largely unrecognisable; AG Wayne Munroe says local DNA testing may be possible before year-end. Cancer Focus: WHO data shows cancer cases could nearly double by 2050, and Bahamas figures cite 1,116 new cases in 2024 and 525 deaths annually, with Darville pushing earlier screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers. Diabetes Camp Support: PAHO/WHO backed the Bahamas Diabetes Association’s Kids with Diabetes Summer Camp with diabetes self-management logbooks, My Plate kits, and activity supplies to support youth with type 1 diabetes. Reef Alarm: The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund warns that Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease is spreading, with about 80% of susceptible stony coral species already impacted locally, urging coordinated monitoring and response. Hurricane Readiness: Bahamas Red Cross is restructuring to decentralise emergency response across more than 16 islands ahead of peak hurricane season. Community Health & Youth: PAHO/WHO also supported midwives and health accounts capacity-building workshops, while local sports groups received ongoing wellness support through youth basketball initiatives. Public Safety: A man was remanded after allegedly breaching bail conditions for 66 days, and a separate court ruling sent a medically unwell gun convict back to prison after appeal. Local Health Policy: Pharmacists are seeking clarity on the medical marijuana rollout, saying the Cannabis Authority still lacks a visible public presence despite earlier promises.

Workplace Safety Crackdown: The Bahamas Contractors Association says many employers still don’t understand the Health and Safety at Work Act after the Labour Department suspended four construction sites in western New Providence for serious breaches, including missing protective gear, unsafe equipment use, poor emergency preparedness, and missing safety supplies. Health System & Medicines: Pharmacists are “a little less nervous” about the National Prescription Drug Programme’s shift into the NHI Authority after assurances the National Insurance Board will keep managing the programme and payments won’t be interrupted. Cancer Care Focus: Health officials and regional leaders are calling for more equitable, connected cancer care across the Caribbean, as The Bahamas reports about 1,116 new cancer cases in 2024 and authorities push early screening and prevention. Food Safety & Public Health: The Bahamas reports no cases of cyclosporiasis, with local hospitals and labs saying they’ve not detected related infections amid a US outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce. Community Nutrition: Carnival expands its surplus meal donation programme to The Bahamas, with the first shipment of prepared, unserved meals sent to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home and the Urban Renewal Authority. Safety Reminder: A 49-year-old man was shot and killed while sitting in his car in Yellow Elder; police are investigating and asking for public tips.

Cancer Care in the Caribbean: Bahamas Consul General Dr Elaine Monica Davis says the region needs cancer care that’s excellent, equitable, compassionate and connected, calling for urgent collaboration to close service gaps. Cancer Numbers & Prevention: WHO warns global cancer cases could surge by 2050; in The Bahamas, authorities cite about 1,116 new cases in 2024 and stress earlier screening and healthier lifestyles. Workplace Safety Push: The Department of Labour halted unsafe work at four New Providence construction sites after inspectors found imminent dangers like unsecured scaffolding and missing fall protection, with follow-up checks planned. Health & Safety Law Debate: Contractors’ Association president Leonard Sands questions whether the Health and Safety at Work Act is “robust” enough and enforceable enough to define safe practice. Cycloporiasis Update: Bahamas reports no cases of cyclosporiasis, with local hospitals saying they’ve not seen related increases and surveillance continuing. Cannabis Authority Clarity: Pharmacists seek progress updates on the medical cannabis rollout, saying the regulator still lacks a visible public presence. Cruise Food Relief: Carnival expanded its surplus meal donation programme in The Bahamas, redirecting 318+ pounds of prepared meals to local organisations in Grand Bahama. Disaster Readiness & Trust: Bahamas Red Cross is restructuring to decentralise hurricane response across more than 16 islands, while an op-ed highlights how public trust shapes shelter and evacuation effectiveness. Dog Attack Aftermath: A Nassau man remains in constant pain after a dog attack that led to neck surgery and hospital treatment.

Cancer Watch: The Bahamas recorded 1,116 new cancer cases in 2024 and 525 cancer deaths annually, as WHO warns global cases could nearly double to 35 million a year by 2050—prompting calls for stronger screening and earlier detection. Hurricane Readiness: The Bahamas Red Cross is restructuring to decentralise emergency response, building and equipping facilities on 16+ islands with pre-positioned food, water, medical supplies and shelters. Public Health & Food Safety: Carnival expands its surplus meal donation program to The Bahamas, redirecting 318 pounds of prepared meals to local organisations for community distribution. Pregnancy Emergency at Sea: A pregnant Carnival passenger was evacuated by the US Coast Guard shortly after departing Miami and taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center. Cannabis Oversight: Pharmacists are seeking clarity on the medical marijuana rollout, saying the Cannabis Authority still lacks a visible public presence. Community Health Coverage: Government says it funds healthcare for only 30% of public officers at $200M yearly, while a new comprehensive health insurance plan is planned to expand coverage. Summer Foot Care: A wellness reminder on protecting feet from heat, swelling, sunburn and infections during beach season.