The Department of Public Health (DPH) has been at the forefront of securing the individual’s heath and promoting community well-being in The Bahamas since 1914. As an agency of the Ministry of Health &Wellness governed under the Health Services Act, DPH is managed by an Executive Management Committee consisting of the Director of Public Health, Administrator, Medical Staff Coordinator, Principal Nursing Officer, Chief Dentist, and Chief Pharmacist and Coordinator of Population Health Programs.  

Historically, primary health care is provided in New Providence at health facilities located in communities such as Adelaide, Anne’s Town, Baillou (Blue)Hill Road, Coconut Grove, Elizabeth Estates, Fleming Street, Flamingo Gardens, Fox Hill, Gambier and South Beach.  A clinic in northern New Providence is dedicated for adolescent health services.  In the Family Islands, this network of healthcare facilities covers larger and smaller communities from Abaco in the north to Inagua in the south, and from Bimini in the west to San Salvador in the east.  DPH health facilities offer essential services like antenatal and postnatal care, child health services, community health assessments, district nursing services (for the sick and shut-in), family planning support, gynecological services, immunization, mental health services, oral healthcare services, pharmacological services, and wound care services.  Select facilities also provide specialized dermatological services as well as support for high-risk or complex pregnancies.  There is also some specialty mental health support through telemedicine.   Currently a minimal registration fee is assessed for accessing services for individuals who are not civil servants, children (under the age of 18years), elderly (65 years and older), pregnant or indigent. Additional `fees are currently assessed according to the gazette health fees schedule.  

In additional to clinical services, the Department supports population health through the administration of several public health programmes designed to monitor a diverse range of health areas. These include adolescent health, communicable diseases, food handlers’ clinics, immunization, lactation management, male health, maternal health (antenatal and postnatal), mental health, non-communicable diseases - mainly hypertension diabetes and asthma programmes, school health services, and the suspected child abuse and neglect programme. The Department is currently in the process of implementing several other programmesaimed at improving the health education and awareness of its clients as well asthat of the wider community. These programmes include community-based renal health programme, an oral health programme, an expansion of the community mental health services and cancer screening programmes aimed at the prevention, early diagnosis and referral for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers.  

With a vision to support every resident with the attainment of an optimal level of health and well-being and a mission to provide the highest quality of health promotion, protection, and care, the Department of Public Health remains dedicated to delivering accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare. We believe that prevention, health education and promotion, and holistic care is central to building healthier and more resilient communities throughout The Bahamas.