The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamian private sector yesterday continued to express concern over the Government’s ability to properly manage the proposed National Health Insurance(NHI) scheme, calling for greater transparency and accountability over the use of public resources.

Derek Osborne, head of the Chamber of Commerce’s NHI review committee, told Tribune Business: “I think there is a concern on our ability to manage another government programme well.

“Yes, it sounds good and the Government has made the decision to proceed, but how can we be assured that we are going to improve the system as expected. This is what many are still concerned about. I think that there is concern over ensuring that money is well spent.”

Mr Osborne was speaking with Tribune Business following a Chamber ‘power breakfast’ sponsored by KPMG, the Government’s NHI advisor.

He added that there were questions over the projections in KPMG’s economic impact report, which suggested that implementing the primary care phase of NHI now will make the Bahamian economy almost $500 million bigger in 2040.

“There were some questions on some of their assumptions,” said Mr Osborne. “I think it was a good session for those who were there. We  are now just waiting on the next steps and the Government’s announcements.

“We  await the decision on the public insurer. We are awaiting specific timelines on the enrollment of doctors signing on, enrollment of participants and the coverage to begin where residents can start seeking care under NHI.”

One business executive told Tribune Business that the Government’s commitment to providing affordable healthcare for all Bahamians ran counter to its decision to place Value-Added Tax (VAT) on insurance, medical services and supplies.

“That does not speak to us doing anything to improve the current medical situation and need to access care. If you’re saying people can’t pay $30 to access current universal care, but they have to pay $30 plus the 7. 5 per cent, it just doesn’t make sense,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“We still have questions about where the VAT money is going. Why aren’t we pushing for more transparency and accountability? We have to fix the current system. The Government spends over $400 million a year on our health system, and over $100 million is lost. It just leaks out and now you’re saying you’re going to put $100 million into NHI. I believe this is something that we all want but we have to do this right.”

    Businessman Robert Myers told Tribune Business: “As a business person I’m positive on the concept. It’s not a question of whether we should do it, it’s when we should do it.

“We have to get our fiscal house in order first. It’s not a question of whether; it’s a question of when. It’s just another burden that could cost us fiscal collapse, further downgrades and devaluation. That is what scares me.”

Mr Myers said KPMG’s projections on NHI’s economic impact were relative to countries where efficiencies are gained. “We’re already seeing that our healthcare is significantly higher in cost, and in some cases we are getting lower life expectancies and we are paying 10 times more than other nations with the same life expectancy,” he added.

“In principle I agree with their theory, but it applies to countries where there is efficiency, accountability and transparency. Their model does not stand up in this environment, but it would - and should - be supported provided we can get accountability, efficiency and transparency.”