Mayaguana Institute for Island Inovation
The Institute for Island Innovation, in collaboration with the University of The Bahamas and Harvard University, have partnered to identify, incubate, test out, accelerate, and embed high impact sustainable innovations in partner communities across The Bahamas. The innovations that emerge from The Mayaguana Institute for Island Innovation will be showcased on a global platform so that other island settings worldwide can join in forging a better path into the future.
This collaboration also brings the added benefit of telemedicine to the residents of Mayaguana through Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).
KEY TAKEAWAYS
01
Mayaguana Clinic
The island clinic is a small but essential healthcare facility, offering routine medical care, wellness checks, and vaccinations to both residents and visitors. It is equipped to handle basic emergencies, such as minor injuries, dehydration, infections, and other urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Staffed by a team of experienced nurses and doctors, the clinic provides compassionate, efficient service in a welcoming setting. Patients requiring specialized or advanced care are quickly stabilized and referred to larger hospitals off-island when necessary.
02
On-Island Emergency Care Through Rotational Physicians
To provide consistent and responsive care, emergency room doctors rotate through the Abraham’s Bay Health Clinic on a regular basis. These visiting physicians offer critical in-person services, manage acute conditions, and serve as the first line of care in medical emergencies. The rotational model ensures that trained ER professionals are regularly present on the island, bringing stability, advanced skills, and confidence to the local healthcare system.
03
Emergency Evacuations and Regional Medical Partnership
For life-threatening or complex medical emergencies requiring advanced intervention, Mayaguana Island Developers maintain a partnership with a Canadian hospital located on Providenciales, in the Turks and Caicos Islands—approximately 50 miles away. This collaboration includes emergency airlift capabilities, ensuring that patients can be rapidly transported to a modern regional hospital equipped to handle specialized procedures and intensive care. This tiered approach to healthcare—combining telemedicine, rotational staffing, and international partnerships—provides Mayaguana with a comprehensive and resilient medical support system.
04
Telemedicine and Global Access to World-Class Care
Telemedicine is a revolutionary advancement in healthcare that allows patients in remote or underserved areas to consult with medical professionals through secure video conferencing and digital tools. For a remote tropical island like Mayaguana, telemedicine provides a vital bridge to world-class expertise—connecting residents with leading specialists and diagnostic services from institutions like Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Through this virtual connection, islanders gain access to the latest medical innovations, second opinions, and specialized treatment plans that would otherwise be out of reach. This system not only enhances the quality of care but also ensures timely intervention and guidance without needing to leave the island.
05
International Port of Entry
To provide consistent and responsive care, emergency room doctors rotate through the Abraham’s Bay Health Clinic on a regular basis. These visiting physicians offer critical in-person services, manage acute conditions, and serve as the first line of care in medical emergencies. The rotational model ensures that trained ER professionals are regularly present on the island, bringing stability, advanced skills, and confidence to the local healthcare system.