The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman believes the new National Health Insurance (NHI) governance structure provides further evidence that the Government is taking a more inclusive approach.

Emmanuel Komolafe said the BIA had accepted an invitation from the Government’s NHI Secretariat to sit on the newly-created body that will oversee the healthcare reform’s implementation.

The UHC (universal healthcare) Stakeholder Advisory Council was unveiled last week by the Government, as it seemingly continues to alter its NHI approach and consult more widely with all industry stakekholders.

“The details released on the new enhanced governance structure for UHC seem to suggest that there is a desire to have meaningful stakeholder engagement and collaboration,” Mr Komolafe said.

“It is noteworthy to state that the BIA has been invited to serve on the UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council (Council), and we have accepted the invitation to contribute to the success of this progressive social initiative.

“We are particularly pleased that the Council has a broader focus and mandate on the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC) in the Bahamas, of which NHI is but one component.”

Mr Komolafe further praised the Government’s commitment to delivering quality, affordable healthcare via sustainable reforms, as outlined by Prime Minister Perry Christie in his 2016-2017 Budget address.

“The BIA and all members of the United Healthcare Reform Alliance (UHRA) are firm believers and proponents of universal access to quality healthcare,” he added.

“We concur with the approach that places emphasis on the improvement of the public healthcare system infrastructure, and development of human capital within the healthcare sector. This is in line with the recommendations of key stakeholders, including the BIA.”

Mr Komolafe promised that the BIA would “work diligently” with the Government and other healthcare industry bodies to improve the proposed universal healthcare strategy, and develop a model that will helop make the Bahamas the healthiest Caribbean nation by 2030.

“The range and depth of expertise of the members of the Council will be pivotal to the future success of UHC in the Bahamas,” he added.

“We expect that representatives of the diverse groups will contribute unique skills, experiences, talents and perspective to the deliberation of the Council. We look forward to obtaining more details on the Government’s plans in the days ahead.”