The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) yesterday slammed “irrational, reckless and “uninformed” comments by firebrand MP Leslie Miller, who suggested the sector “don’t give a damn” if sick Bahamians died.

The Tall Pines MP used this to call for the Government to move rapidly to implement National Health Insurance (NHI), arguing that it should ignore the insurance industry’s concerns.

In response, the BIA said: “The Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) takes grave exception to the irrational, reckless and uninformed comments made by Leslie Miller in relation to the insurance industry.

“We are further disturbed that such irresponsible comments were made by a Member of Parliament who, in his capacity, ought to know better. The BIA and insurance industry has gone on record on multiple occasions to voice its support for universal health coverage and the goals of the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) programme.”

The BIA said that in contrast to the statements made by the Prime Minister during his Budget address last week, Mr Miller’s intervention “goes against the spirit of co-operation and collaboration the PM is seeking to foster in the implementation of such an important initiative”.

Mr Christie had said National Health Insurance (NHI) would be phased in over the next five years, starting on January 1, 2016, “but the journey to full National Health insurance will take longer, as it has in every country that has embarked on this journey”.

Rather than imposing more taxes on Bahamians, the Government will allocate about $60 million in the upcoming fiscal year to fund the first phase of its NHI scheme, one that will focus on strengthening the healthcare system through various physical upgrades and resource investments.

The BIA yesterday reiterated  that the insurance industry believes universal health coverage is a necessity, and that Bahamians should not have to suffer financial hardship to pay for healthcare.

“In this regard, comprehensive healthcare reform is rightly a priority of the Government of the Bahamas,” it added.

“We have gone on record to commend the Government for its vision and fortitude in bringing universal health coverage to the forefront. In relation to the implementation of NHI, the question for us has never been ‘if’ universal healthcare should be implemented; rather the question has been ‘how’ as we have sought to work with the Government to deliver the best product to the populace.”

The BIA added that it agreed with the Prime Minister’s comments, and said: “We maintain that attempts by individuals and politicians to demonise the private sector in order to gain political mileage are not only old hat political theatre but do not serve the national interest. 

“Members of the BIA are Bahamian employers, taxpayers, professionals and good corporate citizens. We should be given due respect and consideration on matters that could have significant impact on our industry.”