The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors has signed a definitive asset purchase agreement to transfer ownership of Oktibbeha County Regional Medical Center to Baptist Memorial Health Care, marking the conclusion of negotiations that began earlier this year.

The agreement includes a $55 million purchase price and outlines plans for $96.8 million in capital investments by the Memphis-based nonprofit health system. The deal is expected to close by the end of September, pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions.

Under the terms of the agreement, Baptist will retain all current hospital employees in good standing and maintain existing service lines. The investment package includes $34 million earmarked for physician recruitment and service expansion, with the remainder directed toward infrastructure and technology upgrades.
“This is a landmark day for the future of health care in Oktibbeha County,” said Marvell Howard, president of the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors. “Signing this agreement with Baptist Memorial Health Care marks a pivotal step toward a partnership that will ensure our hospital not only survives but thrives.”

Additional provisions include continued ambulance services at current levels and the formation of a local advisory board composed mostly of area residents. Baptist has also committed to maintaining and expanding partnerships with Mississippi State University in areas such as student health and athletics.

Baptist Memorial Health Care operates 23 affiliate hospitals across Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas and employs more than 22,000 people.

“This brings us closer to welcoming OCH Regional Medical Center into our family and bringing significant health care resources and expertise to this community,” said Jason Little, president and CEO of Baptist Memorial.

The acquisition is positioned as part of Baptist’s broader strategy to expand access to community-based care in the region.

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