Roadtown, Tortola - The BVI Medical and Dental Council is moving to strengthen its partnership with the community aimed at preserving the integrity of the Territory’s health care services.

Chairman Dr. Ronald Georges said the council is concerned about issues within the practise of any physician or dentist that may endanger a patient or the wider community. “We are ready to fully investigate all public complaints about a practitioner’s action,” he said.

Dr. Georges added that one of the functions of the council, as outlined in the Medical and Dental Act 2000, is to investigate claims of negligence in the care provided by medical practitioners. “The public’s assistance is vital in this endeavour. However it’s important for me to note that the council reserves the right to request additional information for verification in any investigation. At the same time the public can rest assured that all appropriately addressed complaints are always fully investigated by the council,” he said.

Dr. Georges’ comments come as part of an ongoing effort to educate the public about the role and responsibilities of the BVI Medical and Dental Council. Dr. Georges said the council is keen to provide persons with opportunities to present any written complaints about a practising physician so those complaints can be investigated as deemed necessary, and apply the appropriate disciplinary actions that may be warranted.

The investigation of any particular report may take between four and six weeks, and will not begin until all of the relevant documents have been submitted. All complaints should be made in writing and addressed to the Registrar, Medical and Dental Council in care of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Central Administration Building.

The BVI Medical and Dental Council is constituted by the Medical and Dental Act 2000. Among other responsibilities the council has the authority to regulate medical and dental practitioners through a process of registration, licensing, and the investigation of complaints with the principal aim of protecting the public.