UHWI launches governance and finance overhaul after reviews

The University Hospital of the West Indies says it has begun a wide-ranging reform drive to improve how the institution is governed, managed and held accountable, while keeping its focus on patient services, medical training and health care support for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

The hospital said the programme comes after findings from the UHWI Institutional Review Committee, a recent report from the auditor general, and other checks carried out inside and outside the organisation. Those reviews identified areas requiring closer attention, including governance, leadership structures, financial management, procurement, strategic planning, risk oversight, supervision, internal controls and compliance.

In a media statement issued Monday, UHWI said Eric Hosin was named acting chief executive officer in January 2026 as part of the new direction. The hospital said the appointment is tied to a wider push to reinforce senior leadership and move more quickly on corrective actions throughout the institution.

"UHWI is entering a period of serious and necessary transformation," said Hosin. "Our focus is on building stronger systems, improving internal controls, reinforcing accountability, and ensuring that every change we make supports our core mission: the delivery of quality patient care. The public, our staff, our partners, and our stakeholders can expect to see meaningful improvements as this work progresses," added Hosin.

UHWI has also brought in Gihan De Mel as senior director of finance. His duties include helping to clear outstanding financial statements and improving the hospital's financial management arrangements.

According to the hospital, reform measures already started in recent months include giving staff clear compliance directions, beginning training in public procurement laws and regulations, securing audit assistance for overdue financial statements, and reviewing procurement activities and internal procedures.

"These actions are part of a wider programme to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability across the hospital," said Hosin.

Patrick Hylton, chairman of the UHWI Board of Management, said the new board intends to keep the reform process steady and noticeable.

"The board recognises the importance of UHWI to Jamaica's health system and to the training of health professionals across the region," said Hylton. "We are treating this period as a turning point. The changes underway are designed to strengthen the institution, restore confidence, and ensure that UHWI is better positioned to serve patients, staff, students, and the public for generations to come," added Hylton.

Hylton said the programme will roll out in stages. Planned changes include stronger governance systems, more defined reporting lines, tighter procurement and finance controls, better patient and customer service, improved strategic planning, stronger risk management, closer follow-up by internal audit, and more regular reporting to the board and relevant stakeholders.

He said patient care remains UHWI's main priority while the institutional changes are carried out.

"The hospital will continue to deliver critical clinical services while working to modernise the systems that support safe, efficient, and accountable health-care delivery," Hylton said. "The public and stakeholders can expect further updates as the transformation programme advances and as improvements become visible across the hospital's operations," said Hylton.