The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) yesterday dismissed claims by the government and its National Health Insurance (NHI) consultants of an ongoing consultative process over the proposed scheme as being “disingenuous at best”, stating that there has been no forum provided for the local private sector to either fully understand the proposals or to present alternative scenarios.

“The claims of an ongoing consultative process over the National Health Insurance proposals made by consultants Sanigest Internacional - and the government itself - are disingenuous at best,” said the BIA in a statement.

“In his remarks at a technical meeting on July 17, Minister of Health Dr Perry Gomez noted that ‘private health insurers and private healthcare providers must be key components of NHI’, adding that he was ‘committed to incorporating the private sector as a partner in moving NHI forward’.

“The BIA has repeatedly, in various communications to the government, stated that whilst the Ministry of Health seeks to publically promote a commitment to inclusivity, in practice it avoids involving BIA members as stakeholders in any substantive way. This is despite multiple attempts to contribute our knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the country in a sincere effort to improve the methodology and approaches recommended by Sanigest,” said the BIA.

The BIA asserted that based on its experience to-date, the government’s definition of consultation involves inviting stakeholders to attend presentations made by foreign consultants without any direct discourse between the parties involved.

“There has been no forum providing an opportunity for the local private sector to either fully understand the government’s proposals, or to present alternative scenarios. This does nothing to garner private sector buy-in or input, and leaves the government’s plans (whatever they may be), without the invaluable benefit of a wealth of local industry experience,” said the BIA.

“Whilst the BIA continues to offer support for the achievement of universal healthcare in the Bahamas, we are in the position of always having to react to whatever limited information is being floated by the consultants at any given time. We have yet to be engaged in any meaningful discussion, consultation or dialogue with the government on this matter.

“Sanigest’s draft proposals are available, but we have not received any detailed plans regarding decisions taken by the government or mechanisms for inclusion of the private health insurance sector. The BIA received the latest Sanigest proposal on July 25, and was given until August 7 to provide comments - after waiting for almost a year to be provided with the proposed benefits package.

“This is hardly in keeping with international best consultative practices. Sanigest’s proposals are devoid of many relevant details regarding implementation of NHI within the practicalities of our industry, the local infrastructure and our national circumstances - either for the immediate or long-term development of NHI.

“As Bahamian citizens and proven professionals, we expect more meaningful engagement in our own country. Are we wrong to expect such co-operation? Or should we simply resign ourselves to governmental coercion? Given our experience to date, we suggest that consultation in our land is more illusive than inclusive. But we remain ever hopeful.”