The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday pledged that National Health Insurance (NHI) will be a “positive boost” to the Bahamian economy, saying this was supported by a recently-completed study from the Government’s KPMG consultants.

Mr Christie told the 26th annual Bahamas Business Outlook conference that “no sensible government” would plunge an economy into a downturn.

“When we were reviewingNHI, my government saw that in their consultation with the South Africa government, that they had argued persuasively that it is a net positive to the economy as opposed to a drag; that the economy gains as a result of the implementation and proper execution. My government commissioned KPMG to engage in a study which has just been competed,” he said.

“That study will confirm, and KPMG will put its reputation behind it, that the execution and implementation of NHI will prove to be a positive boost to the economy of the Bahamas.

“It was important that we remove the cobwebs, the fear and the concern out of it. No sensible government will plunge unnecessarily an economy into a downswing.”

The first NHI phase – primary care benefits – remains on track for roll-out early this year, according to NHI officials.

The first phase has been pegged at a cost of $100 million by KPMG, the Government’s hired consultants. Primary care services under NHI were originally set to begin in April 2016, but were ultimately delayed.