Healthcare leaders from across the Caribbean have called for more regional collaboration to tackle workforce shortages, chronic disease and climate pressures on island health systems.

The discussion took place at the inaugural KPMG Caribbean Healthcare Summit, CariHealth 2026, in Miami last week. The event brought together policymakers and healthcare professionals from 11 jurisdictions.

Edward Fitzgerald, head of healthcare and life sciences at KPMG Islands Group, who is based at KPMG Bermuda, said island communities face steep challenges in healthcare.

“Island health systems are often asked to solve the same problems as larger countries, but with fewer resources, smaller populations and greater geographic constraints,” he said.

“That’s why sharing experience across the region is not just desirable, it’s essential.”

The summit identified six priorities for Caribbean healthcare systems: chronic disease and mental healthcare, digital transformation, prevention and wellness, climate resilience, workforce pressures and financial sustainability.

KPMG said chronic illnesses, especially diabetes, were increasing demand on health services. It added that stronger prevention and earlier intervention could help ease the strain.

Telemedicine and remote monitoring could help the reach of specialists, the firm said.

Workforce shortages were another key concern. Delegates discussed the need for education and training for future models of care, while improving retention and developing local healthcare talent.

Climate resilience was also high on the agenda, with island health systems needing to keep operating during severe weather and other emergencies.

Dr Fitzgerald said no Caribbean jurisdiction had all the answers, but each had useful experience to share.

“If we can learn more quickly from one another and adapt successful approaches across the region, we have a real opportunity to strengthen healthcare for all our communities,” he said.

KPMG Islands Group said its healthcare advisory practice, established five years ago, had grown from three people to about 15 island-based professionals and supported more than 60 healthcare projects across the region.

The group also leads KPMG’s Global Centre of Excellence for Island Healthcare, established in 2024, which brings together specialists from Bermuda, the Caribbean, Crown Dependencies and Mediterranean islands.