The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez yesterday proposed a steering committee to oversee the full implementation of a National Health Insurance scheme.

As the majority of Bahamians do not have health insurance, Dr Gomez told parliamentarians that the initiative will remove the need for money at the point of care.

He added that the plan is also expected to create a fund that will be used exclusively for health care in the Bahamas and is a not-for-profit system.

“The greatest advantage of the National Health Insurance is equitable access to quality health care services for our people,” said Dr Gomez. “There will be legislated social assistance and contributions will be paid by the state for those who cannot contribute from their own income.

“Under the National Health Insurance system, residents will have access to public and private health care in the Bahamas.

“Health receives a substantial component of the national budget, however, it is not enough to meet all health care needs for many of the neediest in our communities.”

Although a National Health Insurance Act was passed by the government in 2006, it has only been carried out partially through the Prescription Drug Plan, which officially started in 2010.

The Minister said there are additional benefits to National Health Insurance implementation.

“(There will be) prediction of revenues (for) more money for health resulting in greater health care resources and a strengthened health care system and we will be better able to move toward the establishment of universal coverage.”

Twelve people are on the steering committee. They are Dr Delon Brennen, Deputy Chief Medical Officer; Chartered Accountant Anthony Kikivarkis, Edison Sumner, President of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce; Archbishop Drexel Gomez and Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Valentine Grimes.

Dr Gomez will appoint additional persons whenever they are needed. The committee will be supported by three sub-groups: a Review Committee, a Health Strengthening Committee and a Finance Committee.