Government
NHI Celebrates 25 Years of Service in Belize
The National Health Insurance (NHI) program marked 25 years of service with a celebration in Belize City on October 15th. The event highlighted its growth from a pilot initiative launched in 2001 to serve communities on Belize City’s southside into a national program serving hundreds of thousands of registered members.
Government
Belize Reviews Options to Retain Cuban Medical Professionals
Belize’s Cuban Medical Brigade remains in place while discussions over its long-term future continue. Foreign Affairs Chief Executive Officer Oscar Arnold said negotiations between Belize and the United States were nearing a resolution. Meanwhile, Cuban healthcare professionals continue serving across the country, including at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.
Health
Partners 4 Medical Relief Holds Free Surgical Screenings in San Pedro
Residents seeking specialized surgical care attended free screenings at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II on Friday, October 9th. Partners 4 Medical Relief collaborated with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Central Health Region, and Corozal District Health Services to identify patients who could benefit from corrective surgery. The screenings ran from 8AM to 3:30PM.
Health
Calls for Abortion Law Reform Renew Debate in Belize
Calls by the Belize Family Life Association (BFLA) to reform Belize’s abortion laws have renewed debate over reproductive healthcare, criminal penalties, and the protection of unborn life. Discussions intensified on September 30th, with advocates calling for decriminalization while church leaders and pro-life organizations voiced opposition to broader legal access.
Health
Free Corrective Surgery Screenings Set for October 9th
Children and adults who may require corrective surgery are encouraged to attend free screenings on Friday, October 9th, at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II and Corozal Polyclinic II, also known as Corozal Community Hospital.
Community and Society
Letter to the Editor: Thank you to San Pedro for a Successful Sept 5th Blood Drive
The San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group wishes to once again thank all those who came to donate blood at the blood drive held on September 5 at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Twenty-nine members of the Ambergris Caye community came to donate. At the end of the day, 17 pints of life-saving blood were generously donated. Potentially, these 17 pints can save the lives of over 50 people.
Community and Society
Taiwan Ambassador tours San Pedro Hospital as construction reaches 70%
His Excellency Amino C. Y. Chi, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, visited San Pedro on September 18th to review construction progress at the San Pedro and Caye Caulker General Hospital. Belize Rural South Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez hosted the visit and accompanied Ambassador Chi on a tour of the project.
Health
San Pedro Blood Drive Secures 17 Lifesaving Pints
On September 5th, the San Pedro Community Blood Drive Group hosted its latest blood drive at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, collecting 17 pints of blood. The drive ran from 8AM to 2:30PM and welcomed residents who came out to donate.
Government
MoHW Advises Public on Dengue Prevention During Rainy Season
The Ministry of Health and Wellness reminds the public that the rainy season increases the risk of dengue transmission. Dengue is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water commonly found in containers around homes and communities.
Health
Ambergris Hope Hospital Now Offering NHI-Covered Diagnostic Services
Ambergris Hope Hospital is now offering selected services covered by the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, including radiology (imaging), ultrasound, and laboratory services for residents of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. To access these services, patients must first obtain a referral from their NHI-registered healthcare provider. In San Pedro, these include San Carlos Medical Center and San Pedro Urgent Care. In Caye Caulker, the NHI-accredited medical facility is Dr. D’s Clinic.
Health
Belize joins WHO global medicine safety monitoring program
Belize has become a full member of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Program for International Drug Monitoring (PIDM), a milestone announced on July 27th with support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The move gives Belize stronger tools to detect safety concerns in medicines and respond more effectively to risks posed by substandard or counterfeit medicines that may enter the country.