Government to raise healthcare funds through new charitable foundation

Government is moving ahead with setting up a Cayman Islands Health Foundation, a charitable entity that will fundraise for public healthcare services, 15 years after it was legally established.

The Ministry of Health on Monday, 22 Dec., confirmed that Cabinet recently had approved making the foundation operational, which will involve appointing a committee, setting up a head office and recruiting staff, such as a secretary and fundraising specialist.

Cayman’s Health Services Authority, which runs the Anthony S. Eden Hospital, formerly known as the George Town Hospital, has long been the beneficiary of ad-hoc donations and support from charitable organisations, companies and individuals. Under the foundation, fundraising efforts will be formalised and more targeted to specific needs.

In a statement, Health Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks said the foundation is intended to deliver “long-term financial sustainability for the public healthcare system”.

“Establishing the Health Foundation reduces pressure on Core Government funding by generating additional resources for the Health Services Authority, while supporting priority services that matter to our community,” she said. “This model supports more sustainable healthcare by creating opportunities for community involvement and shared ownership in strengthening our public health system.”

Legally established in 2010 but not made operational

The Health Foundation was legally established in 2010 to raise and manage funds to support healthcare facilities and programmes in Cayman, and to contribute to the operational funding requirements of the Health Services Authority, the statement noted.

It added that, while the legislative framework had existed for several years, key operational steps had not previously been completed.

The ministry said, with Cabinet approval now in place, it will work with the Health Services Authority, on a “detailed proposal” that will set out the foundation’s governance structure, operational model, timelines, costs and personnel requirements. Once that is complete, the proposal will be submitted to Cabinet for review.

As well as using donor funds to help cover part of the healthcare costs currently borne by government, the money raised through the foundation is also intended to offset expenditure on HSA facilities and programmes, reduce long-term costs, and “strengthen fiscal sustainability”, the ministry stated.

It added that there would be targeted fundraising for priority areas, “including mental health services for children and adolescents, community wellbeing initiatives, and initiatives that support alignment with international healthcare standards”.

Tamara Ebanks, the chief officer in the health ministry, said, “The Foundation is being developed to operate with transparency and strong governance. By attracting external funding and directing it to clearly defined needs, it will support sustainable healthcare delivery and long-term cost containment for Government.”