Prime Minister Philip Davis and Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Michael Darville today highlighted expanding opportunities in healthcare education, training, and career development during an Opportunity Hub event focused on healthcare pathways at the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Academy.
The event brought together healthcare trainees, staff, and leadership to discuss how the PHA Academy is creating new opportunities for Bahamians to enter and advance in the healthcare field while strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
Established in 2022, the PHA Academy serves as a national hub for healthcare education and workforce development, providing accredited training across multiple areas including nursing, allied health, emergency medical services, healthcare administration, and leadership development.
Prime Minister Davis emphasized that building a stronger healthcare system requires investing in people, training, and career pathways for Bahamians.
“Strengthening healthcare is not only about buildings and equipment, it is about people,” said Prime Minister Davis. “It is about training Bahamians, creating opportunities, and building a strong pipeline of healthcare professionals who can care for Bahamians across our islands.”
Minister Darville noted that workforce development is one of the most important parts of healthcare reform and the long-term strengthening of the public health system.
“The PHA Academy is helping us train more Bahamians in critical healthcare roles and create clear pathways into the healthcare profession,” said Dr. Darville. “This is how we build a stronger healthcare system for the long term – by investing in training, education, and professional development for our people.”
During the event, participants shared their personal journeys into healthcare and how the PHA Academy provided access to training, new skills, and career opportunities that were not previously available to them. The discussion focused on access to opportunity, workforce development, and the importance of creating clear career pathways in healthcare.
The PHA Academy operates through several specialized schools, including nursing, medicine, allied health, research and quality, information technology and business, readiness training, and leadership development, along with an American Heart Association training centre that provides life support certification programmes.
Through these programmes, the Academy has already trained and certified hundreds of healthcare professionals across The Bahamas, helping to expand the healthcare workforce and improve the quality of care throughout the public health system.
Prime Minister Davis noted that initiatives like the PHA Academy are central to both expanding opportunity for Bahamians and strengthening essential national services.
“The PHA Academy represents exactly what the Opportunity Hub is about – connecting Bahamians to real opportunities, real training, and real careers,” he said. “At the same time, we are strengthening healthcare in The Bahamas by investing in our people.”
The Opportunity Hub is a nationwide engagement initiative designed to connect Bahamians directly with new and expanding opportunities available through government programmes across multiple industries, including healthcare, digital skills, education, and workforce development.
Members of the public interested can learn more at opphub.gov.bs.