Nassau, Bahamas –
The Government of The Bahamas is committed to ensuring that all Bahamians have
access to affordable, efficient and quality healthcare. As such, the government
has launched the implementation strategy to ensure that all Bahamians have access
to a Universal Health Insurance system.
“The
mission of The Bahamas Government is to provide quality healthcare that is
affordable and accessible to all its citizens” stated Minister of Health Dr.
Perry Gomez. Details of the Universal Health Insurance plan will be announced
by the Government after ongoing stakeholder consultations with all key parties
have been concluded.
The
Government of The Bahamas is building off the recommendations to tailor a plan
that meets the unique needs of The Bahamas. Part of this is to ensure that the
plan is sustainable and the Government is looking at various funding and
costing options for the plan. “We are taking the time to consult with
Bahamians, local organizations, health care professionals and consultants to
develop a plan that is sustainable for the long term” stated Dr. Glen Beneby,
Chief Medical Officer.
Beginning from January 2016, with
Universal Health Insurance, every legal
Bahamian resident – regardless of their means – will have access to health care
from private and public doctors, clinics and hospitals.
Currently,
per capita healthcare spending in The Bahamas is over $2,300 per year, almost
double other countries in the Region. Despite this high spending, life
expectancy is lower than many including Barbados, Belize and Grenada.
Universal
Health Insurance will focus on improving health outcomes while also producing
annual savings which will reach $160 million in ten years. The majority of the
financing will come from existing resources in the health system. Further
costing and financial details will be available in the near future.
“The
health and well-being of Bahamians remains a priority of this Government,”
stated Minister Gomez “we are taking the time to ensure that the plan we
present is the best possible option for all Bahamians” he continued.
The
Government has committed and is committed to developing a new Universal Health
Insurance plan that will be affordable, accessible and reliable for all
Bahamians.
