NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Almost 6,000 Bahamians have pre-registered for Phase I of the National Prescription Drug Plan which is scheduled to be launched before Summer, 2010, Minister of Health, Dr the Hon Hubert A Minnis said Wednesday.  

The pre-registration drive is being conducted by officials of the Ministry of Health, the Department of Public Health the National Insurance Board at health clinics and NIB offices on the islands New Providence, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Long Island, San Salvador, Bimini, Inagua and Mayaguana, Cat Island, Crooked Island and Acklins “for the convenience of Bahamians everywhere.”  

Dr Minnis urged those persons who “fall in the eligible groups of persons” to continue to register for membership in The Plan “as soon as possible” so that they may access the benefits “when The Plan comes on stream.”  

Phase I of the National Prescription Drug Plan (hereafter referred to as The Plan) is expected to provide free medications for 11, chronic, non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) to 35,000 Bahamians who are either National Insurance Pensioners (those persons currently receiving the Retirement Pension as well as Old-Age Non-Contributory Pensions); NIB Invalids (those persons receiving both the Invalidity Benefit and assistance); children under the age of 18 and young adults under the age of 25 who are full-time students.  

The Plan will cover 170 medications used in the treatment of CNCD’s such as arthritis, asthma, breast cancer, diabetes, glaucoma, high cholesterol, major depression, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, prostate cancer and psychosis.  

Dr Minnis said the early registration allows officials of the Ministry of Health and the National Insurance Board to move one step closer to “launching this major health initiative that will eventually directly benefit” the more than 90,000 Bahamians who suffer from chronic, non-communicable diseases.  

The Health Minister said health officials are “very satisfied” with the numbers that have been recorded so far.  

“The number of deaths from chronic, non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases and obesity and its related illnesses, has risen steadily in the country (from 45 per cent of all deaths in 2001 to 65 per cent of all deaths in 2005),” Dr Minnis said.  

“The Government of The Bahamas has taken the necessary steps to provide relief for those already suffering from CNCDs through the passage of the National Insurance (Chronic Diseases Prescription Fund) Act, 2009 (which will) improve access to prescription drugs and other supplies and thereby held to control the effects of CNCDs.  

“The Act established a Chronic Disease Prescription Drug Fund under the control of the National Insurance Board. This Fund will not only finance the purchase of prescription drugs and medical supplies for beneficiaries under The Plan, but will also provide funding for approved prevention programs, thereby promoting healthy lifestyles,” Dr Minnis added.  

Persons who fall within Phase I of the National Prescription Drug Plan are asked to take their National Insurance Card and a valid Photo ID along with them when registering. They will also have to provide officials with the name of the physician prescribing their medications.  

NIB officials say “special arrangements” will be made to register persons who may not be able to register in person at the locations.