Vision Statement

Optimal level of health and well-being of all residents of The Bahamas

Mission Statement

To ensure that the highest quality of services for health promotion, health protection and healthcare are accessible to all residents of The Bahamas in order to achieve an optimal level of health

Areas of Responsibility

The Department of Public Health oversees the provision and management of primary healthcare services and the development and implementation of public health programmes.

Departments & Responsibilities

Oral Health Unit:

• Provides dental health care to the people of The Bahamas

Planning Unit:

• Spearheads the Special Projects of the Ministry of Health and the Department of Public Health.

Public Health Information Systems Unit:

• Analyzes data collected from health institutions and produces national reports.
• Conducts research.
• Collaborates with other Agencies to ensure that the data collected is correct e.g. Department of Statistics, PHA, and Registrar General Office etc.   

Maternal and Child Health:

• Lactation Management.
• Male Health Initiative.
• Adolescent Health Services.
• Child Health Services.
• Maternal Health e.g. Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
• Family Planning

Surveillance:

• Investigation and control of communicable disease outbreaks.

School Health Services:

• School Health Screening.
• Treatment of minor ailments.
• Home visits.
• School Health Immunizations for Grade 1, 6, 10

Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Unit:

• Immunization of Adults and Children

Tuberculosis Surveillance Unit:

• Follow-up of TB patients in the Chest Clinic
• Screening of suspected cases
• Direct Observed Therapy for TB patients

Chronic Non-Communicable Disease (CNCD) Unit:

• Screening.
• Treatment.
• Follow-up of CNCD.

Comprehensive Clinic:

• Screening of suspected Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) cases.
• Treatment of positive STI cases.
• Contact tracing of partners of STI patients.
• STI case management.

Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Unit:

• Assessment, health care services and counseling and support to  victims and their families, referring when necessary

Hospital Liaison:

• Assistance with the discharge plan of patients admitted to hospital.
• Recording admission findings in the Public Health Information System.
• Conducting home visits to High Risk patients.
• Informing the staff at DPH Clinics about the patients in the area

Community Clinics:

• Providing general healthcare to the people of The Bahamas

Food Handler’s Clinic:

• Interviewing and education of all persons responsible for the preparation of food throughout The Bahamas
  on proper personal hygiene of self and preparation site, proper handling, preparation, and proper storage of foods
• Assessment and certification of applicants

Vision:

• Screening, healthcare and treatment of patients with eye problems
• Referral of patient for extensive care

Audiology (ear care):

• Screening, treatment and referral of clients for extensive care

Postnatal Care:

• Follow-up care of all Mothers and infants within the first 10 days after delivery.
• Entering the birth details into the Public Health information System (iPHIS).

District Nursing Services:

• Follow-up care of patients at home

Home Visiting:

• Visiting “At Risk” patients at home

Radiology:

• Radiological support for patients requiring the service

Address and Contact Information:

Department of Public Health
Poinciana Hill
P.O. Box N-3729
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 502–4700
Fax.(242) 325-5421
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays