Public Health Bill, 2026

Overview

The Government is committed to modernising the Cayman Islands’ public health legislation to ensure it reflects today’s health challenges and supports a stronger, more coordinated public health system.

The proposed Public Health Bill, 2026 establishes a national Department of Public Health, strengthens governance and accountability, improves public health surveillance, modernises disease prevention and emergency response, and aligns the Cayman Islands with international public health best practice. Environmental health provisions will be addressed through separate legislation. 

The proposed Bill will be published on 21 August. You will be able to view and download it from this site.

Why It Matters

  1. Protecting the health of the Cayman Islands: The proposed Public Health Act will create a stronger, modern framework to protect and improve the health of everyone in the Cayman Islands through prevention, preparedness and coordinated public health action.
     
  2. Building a stronger public health system: The legislation will establish a dedicated Department of Public Health, providing clear leadership and a coordinated national approach to protecting population health.
     
  3. Better decisions through better data: The new framework will
    strengthen the collection, analysis and use of public health data, enabling evidence-based decisions, better planning and more effective health programmes.
     
  4. Better prepared for future health threats: The proposed legislation strengthens the Cayman Islands’ ability to prevent, detect and respond to infectious diseases and public health emergencies while supporting a balanced and proportionate approach to protecting the public.
     
  5. Modern, accountable and high-quality public health services: The reforms will improve governance, transparency, accountability and quality standards across the public health system, while aligning the Cayman Islands with international public health best practice.
     
  6. Legislation designed for the future: The proposed Public Health Act modernises legislation to reflect today’s public health challenges and the changing needs of the Cayman Islands, ensuring the country is better equipped to protect the health of current and future generations.

Residents, healthcare professionals, businesses, community organisations and other stakeholders are invited to review the proposal, attend town hall meetings and stakeholder sessions, and provide feedback before the legislation is finalised.

Comments can also be sent to mohfeedback@gov.ky before the consultation period closes.

How Your Information Will Be Used

Responses to this consultation will help inform the final version of the bill and ensure that the Cayman Islands' health legislative framework remains responsive to community concerns and public health priorities.

Responses may also be shared with other public bodies involved in this consultation to assist in developing the relevant policies. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide practical examples or supporting information with their submissions. However, please note that any responses, though made public, your personal data will remain anonymous.

In keeping with the Cayman Islands Data Protection Act (DPA) Schedule 2, Paragraph 5(b), we may use your email address in the following ways to:

  • Contact you if we require clarification on your feedback.
  • Send you updates on the outcome of this consultation (where requested).

In accordance with the DPA, your personal information will remain confidential and will not be published or shared outside of this Ministry. 

Join us at a town hall

Meetings are being held across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. See the schedule below.

Closes 18 Sep 2026

Opened 31 Jul 2026

Events

Audiences

  • Consultation

Interests

  • public consultation