The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (“the Ministry”) has commissioned an independent diagnostic assessment of the Department of Health Regulatory Services (DHRS), the Cayman Islands’ health regulator, as part of its broader programme of healthcare reform.
The assessment, being conducted by Ernst & Young (EY), will examine DHRS’s governance, organisational structure, operations and regulatory responsibilities to identify opportunities to strengthen its effectiveness and ensure it is equipped to meet the evolving needs of the Cayman Islands’ healthcare sector.
The assessment forms part of the Ministry’s wider work to review and strengthen the governance of key components of the healthcare system. It follows the recently completed diagnostic assessment of the Health Services Authority (HSA), which provides public healthcare services.
Together, the HSA and DHRS reviews will inform a broader approach to healthcare reform, helping ensure that the institutions responsible for delivering and regulating healthcare are effectively governed, appropriately resourced and equipped to fulfil their respective roles. The Ministry remains committed to regularly assessing key healthcare institutions and regulatory services to support continuous improvement and accountability.
DHRS plays a central role in overseeing the regulatory framework for healthcare in the Cayman Islands. Its responsibilities include health insurance regulation and the regulation of healthcare professionals and practices through the Health Insurance Commission, Health Practice Commission and professional regulatory councils.
The assessment will examine how these functions are organised and delivered, including governance arrangements, the allocation of roles and responsibilities, operational processes, systems and the supporting legislative framework. EY will also consider relevant international regulatory practices and feedback from individuals and organisations that interact with DHRS.
The findings will help the Ministry identify practical improvements to DHRS’s governance, operations, resources and future operating model, supporting an effective and responsive regulatory system that meets the needs of patients, healthcare professionals, health facilities and insurers.
Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, the Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, said the reviews represent an important opportunity to strengthen the foundations of healthcare in the Cayman Islands.
“Ultimately, health reform must make a meaningful difference to the people we serve. Our responsibility is to build a healthcare system that our community can have confidence in, one that is well governed, effectively regulated and equipped to meet the needs of our people, not just today, but for generations to come. These reviews are an important step towards that future.”
Chief Officer for the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, Ms. Tamara Ebanks, said the assessment will provide a clearer understanding of DHRS’s current capabilities and operational requirements.
“The assessment will examine DHRS’s structure, governance arrangements, processes and operational needs to identify any gaps, duplication or opportunities to improve the delivery of its responsibilities.
“Having a clear understanding of how DHRS operates will help the Ministry determine where changes, resources or other interventions may be needed to strengthen its effectiveness and support its future development.”
As part of the assessment, EY will consult the Ministry, DHRS, professional regulatory councils and commissions to understand the current regulatory framework and how responsibilities are carried out. Feedback will also be sought from healthcare practitioners, health facilities, health insurers and other relevant stakeholders about their experiences of the regulatory system.
Three surveys will be conducted: one for DHRS staff, one for healthcare practitioners and health facility representatives, and one for health insurance representatives. Each survey is expected to take approximately five to ten minutes to complete.
Survey responses will complement interviews, workshops, document reviews and other analysis undertaken as part of the assessment, helping ensure that the findings reflect both operational evidence and stakeholder experiences.
Cerena Mitchell, EY Consulting Partner, said the assessment will bring together operational information and stakeholder perspectives to identify practical opportunities for strengthening health regulation.
“Effective regulation depends on clear governance, well designed processes and the ability to adapt as the sector evolves. Through this assessment, we are bringing together operational evidence, stakeholder perspectives and international regulatory practices to identify practical opportunities to strengthen DHRS and support its future development.”
At the conclusion of the assessment, EY will provide a report setting out its findings and recommendations for how DHRS should be governed and operate in the future, including roles and responsibilities, operational effectiveness, resources and options for its future operating model. The report will also include a high-level implementation roadmap.
The Ministry intends to publish the report once the assessment is complete and will consider its recommendations in determining the next steps. Further updates will be provided as the work progresses.
Surveys will be distributed to healthcare practitioners, health facility representatives and health insurance representatives commencing Tuesday, 20 October 2026, and will close on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. If you have not received the survey or require assistance or further information, please contact MHESsurvey@gov.ky