Expanded Rollout of SIP+ in The Bahamas with PAHO Support

July 1, 2025 - Grand Bahama, The Bahamas - The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), with support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), has begun the expansion of the SIP+ (Perinatal Information System Plus) to the Family Islands of The Bahamas -marking a significant milestone in the national digital health transformation agenda.

Following successful SIP+ training workshops in New Providence which started in March 2025, the rollout has now reached Grand Bahama, The Bahamas' second most populous island. Grand Bahama is home to Rand Memorial Hospital, one of the country's two public hospitals.

The SIP+ training in Grand Bahama covered healthcare providers from both Rand Memorial Hospital and the network of public clinics. The workshops equipped participants with the skills needed to integrate SIP+ into clinical workflows, enabling digitized and standardized collection of maternal and perinatal health data. This information is vital for improving outcomes, enhancing service delivery, and informing national policy.

Ms. Sandra Jones, PAHO Advisor for HIV and STIs, observes SIP+ in use by Ms. Marissa Smith, Medical Records Clerk on the Maternity Ward at Rand Memorial Hospital, Grand Bahama.

Leading the training delegation was Mr. David Strachan, Senior Technical Project Manager for Information Systems for Health (IS4H) at the MOHW. He was ably supported by his IS4H training team - Mrs. Moika Rolle-Moss, Mrs. Lenae Brown-Hall and Change Manager, Mrs. Ellerie Seymour, who together facilitated the interactive and hands-on training sessions.

"This marks an important leap forward in our efforts to enhance the quality of maternal and newborn care across all islands of The Bahamas, and a pivotal step in The Bahamas journey to achieve One Patient One Record across a digital healthcare sector" said Mr. Strachan. "The healthcare providers in Freeport, Grand Bahama were enthusiastic and fully engaged-a strong indicator of the readiness and commitment as we continue the SIP+ rollout nationwide."

"Extending SIP+ to Grand Bahama demonstrates the Government's commitment to equity and continuity of care across all regions," said Dr. Anton Best, Advisor in Health Systems and Services, PAHO/WHO. "This effort lays the groundwork for a health system where digital tools help ensure that no mother or newborn is left behind regardless of geography."
Further SIP+ training sessions are planned for additional Family Islands in the coming months as part of a phased national implementation strategy.

The visiting IS4H training team from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, along with Advisors from the PAHO/WHO Bahamas Country Office, at the Freeport Community Clinic during the SIP+ training.

PAHO/WHO remains steadfast in its technical cooperation with The Bahamas, supporting the modernization of health information systems and the realization of universal health coverage through innovation and improved governance in health.

Country News

Maternal Health

The Bahamas