By RICARDO WELLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
rwells@tribunemedia.net
DESPITE it’s “open for input” mantra, the National Health Insurance Bahamas’ public consultation series was launched here in New Providence last night to a sparse crowd.
Senior officials attached to the government’s universal health care scheme sought to present key details of the plan to the public, followed by a open forum geared toward alleviating any concern that might have existed.
However, facilitators were greeted with empty chairs and no questions or comments.
The forum featured key presentations by the nation’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Glen Beneby and NHI project manager, Dr Delon Brennen.
According to data provided by facilitators, the government’s phased approach to the implementation of NHI has now become, to a degree, clearer.
NHI Bahamas is expected to make the nation’s healthcare system more modern, affordable and accessible, explained Dr Brennen.
He noted that the new programme will ensure that all legal Bahamian residents – no matter income, age, island of residence or current health status – can receive quality health care free of cost at the point of service.
Dr Brennen stated that the high cost of healthcare in The Bahamas has limited the quality of life for Bahamians, insisting that any reduction in the amount of money spent at the point of service would translate to an improve quality of life.
“Over the last decade, since 2013 we have seen that 9.7 per cent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been spent on healthcare expenses. So we are actually doubling that amount that we have spent in that period, unfortunately, it isn’t just reflected in general spending.”
“We are actually seeing a rise in total government health expenditure, in expenditure on private health insurance, but even more, remarkably and what speaks even more to what people are beginning to see and feel for themselves is the simple fact that our out of pocket expenditure on health also grows at a even higher percentage than our spending overall.”
“As that rate goes up, what you realise is that the money we are spending there, we are not able to spend on anything else. So things like our ability to access education, entrepreneurial activities; to just provide food and shelter for ourselves are sacrificed because we are spending so much of our money on healthcare,” Dr Brennen added.
It is estimated that Bahamians are spending between $1,000 and $2,200 per person, per year on health services.
However, notwithstanding that high rate, Bahamians are expected to live on average 75.5 years - nearly a full year less than persons in Barbados spending on average, $1,000 - $1,200 per person, per year.
“We really need to show that it isn’t just that we are spending a lot of money, but we are beginning to get a return on it,” he said.
NHI is being phased in over a five-year period, officials have said. The government has previously said NHI’s introduction will encompass registration and improvements to public health infrastructure.
In the first phase of coverage (primary care), Bahamians will receive a number of health services such as prevention, visits to the doctor, and other basic health needs free of cost and with no new tax in the initial phase.
According to officials, the plan’s primary healthcare package will be rolled out in April.
Commenting to proposed enhancements to the government health infrastructure CMO Beneby revealed that the government is in process of acquiring at least ten new ambulances in the coming months.
Exuma, Abaco, the Flamingo Gardens and Elizabeth Estates have all been tapped to receive ambulance services.
Additionally, new healthcare parameters are being identified, structure and implemented.
“You realise how important it is to upgrade the services in the public sector and in the private sector; we have been doing these things over the past several months,” Dr Beneby stated.
“What we have done is that we have regulated the system. We have upgraded the medical laws, the council laws; so we are now able to better regulate and police our system.”
“The process is not yet finished, it is a journey. We are going slowly, steadfast and focused to accomplish these goals,” added Dr Beneby.
These components are all considered key features covered under the government’s Health System Strengthening (HSS) project presently underway throughout the country.
The $40m project is expected to upgrade various health facilities and systems around the country, preparing them for NHI.
Thursday’s forum came as the Christie administration continues to face heavy criticism for its lack of transparency over NHI.
More than a month after NHI smart cards have started to be distributed and two months away from the start of primary health coverage the nation still hasn’t been made aware of how much NHI will in fact, cost taxpayers.
Similar community forums have been held in Grand Bahama in recent days and are expected to continue across the country in the coming days.
Comments
sheeprunner12 8 years, 1 month ago
Bahamians vote with their feet ................... absence tells it all ......... the people can see where this PLP gimmick is going ............ another BAMSI, Stellar, Resolve, Superfast Ferry, PowerSecure, BTC2%, Carnival, Downtown re-do, and Bahamar .............. BUST
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 1 month ago
Dr Brennen is VERRRY impressive. He clearly believes in the cause and wants to see the initiative succeed. Unfortunately, it is just a political ploy, just like mortgage relief, an equally noble objective.
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