Pafford's Exit Forces V.I. Health Department to Rethink Service Delivery With Thin Resources

Two ambulances and eight paramedics lost; no timeline on payment to Pafford; DOH reallocates staff and scrambles to mitigate fallout from Pafford's departure while struggling with limited resources

The V.I. Department of Health said Friday it is taking steps to successfully transition staff and services to DOH since Pafford’s announcement that it will leave the U.S. Virgin Islands due to millions of dollars in outstanding payments. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion testified as such before the 35th Legislature, alongside Christopher Finch from the V.I Government Health and Hospitals Corporation.‌

Pafford’s departure is impacting several key units within the DOH, said Ms. Encarnacion, including the Mobile Integrated Health Unit, the Maternal Child Health Clinic, the Family Planning Program and the Eldra Schulterbrandt Long-Term Care Facility. The government’s failure to pay Pafford Medical Services has potentially jeopardized the ease of accessing these services for several community members.