Public Hospitals Questioned on Mounting Debt, Billing Issues in 2027 Budget Hearing

The Virgin Islands’ public hospitals face mounting debt, unpaid employee withholdings and delayed government allotments as they seek nearly $192 million in combined fiscal year 2027 operating budgets.

Leaders of Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center and Schneider Regional Medical Center appeared Wednesday before the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee, where lawmakers questioned officials about hospital finances, billing, employee deductions and supply shortages.

Chief Executive Officer Darlene A. Baptiste said JFL’s proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget totals $85.47 million, while SRMC is proposing a $106.36 million operating budget.

Baptiste said the cost of providing care at both hospitals continues to exceed available resources and asked lawmakers to consider increased allotments to stabilize operations and meet critical needs.