The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.et

A Cabinet Minister has urged all sides in the National Health Insurance (NHI) discussion to “listen and compromise”, calling for the gap between them to be bridged.

Michael Halkitis, minister of state for finance, told the Insurance Association of the Caribbean (IAC) conferenec’s opening ceremony that the debate was now focused on the best way to implement NHI.

“We are engaged in a debate on the right way to implement National Health Insurance,” he said. “As has been the case in jurisdictions where this issue has been raised, the temperature has at times gotten a little bit warm.

“What is undeniable is that there must be a forum where the gap between the seemingly competing interests of the need to ensure adequate, timely healthcare on the one hand, and the commercial interests of other stakeholders, can be bridged.

Mr Halkitis added: “This requires a willingness on the part of all concerned on both sides of the debate to listen and compromise. I believe that it is possible.”

He said that as an evolving industry, the insurance sector must always consider the governing legislation and regulations to ensure that the right balance is struck between being competitive and compliance with international standards.

“The industry  can only survive and remain relevant if the services and products meet the needs of your clients in an ever-changing environment,” said Mr Halkitis.

NHI was developed as a policy priority under the first Christie administration. A 15-member Blue Ribbon Commission was appointed to review the feasibility of a National Health Insurance Plan.

The NHI Act 2006 was then tabled in Parliament by the Christie government, and it remains committed to the scheme’s implementation.

The introduction of primary healthcare was slated for April but, in late March, Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez acknowledged that there would be a delay of about six months so the Government could establish a public insurer.