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News : Bahamas Information Services Updates Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


Local UHC Model to Provide for Transparency, Accountability and Seamless Delivery of Patient Care for Legal Residents
By Matt Maura
May 27, 2016 - 9:44:23 AM

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Cabinet of The Bahamas has approved a single governance model that will accelerate the implementation of Universal Health Coverage for legal residents of The Bahamas through the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) while providing effective oversight of the Programme.

The approved, integrated Universal Health Coverage governance structure will allow for quick and effective decision-making with transparency and accountability, as well as the alignment of health systems, and will result in greater efficiency, continuity of care and the seamless delivery of patient-centred services in the Government health sector.

“The accepted Integrated Universal Health Coverage governance model that my Government has adopted, following the recommendations of KPMG, is in keeping with our commitment to work with stakeholders to shape the design and implementation of Universal Health Coverage and support the advancement of health system-strengthening goals,” Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie told Parliament Wednesday.

“Additionally, the Universal Health Care (UHC) Stakeholder Advisory Committee is being formed to improve the health of Bahamians through ongoing stakeholder engagement and continuous collaboration.

“My commitment, and that of the Government, to the accessibility and affordability of basic medical services and the improvement of the quality of life for Bahamians, remains unequivocal,” Mr. Christie added.

Delivering the 2016-2017 Budget Communication in the House of Assembly Wednesday, Mr. Christie said the provision of practical and cost effective Universal Health Care to Bahamians remains a key priority of his Government.

The implementation of NHI, Mr. Christie said, will be accomplished “together with the involvement of leadership from the NHI Bahamas Secretariat, the Ministry of Health, the Public Hospitals Authority and our global partner in healthcare, KPMG Bahamas.”

“The implementation of NHI Bahamas is reflected in our continual assessment and evaluation of our medical professionals, health care facilities, allocation of resources and effective delivery of services. All of these elements are of vital importance to the core of health systems strengthening and an essential aspect of the successful implementation of NHI Bahamas.

“We are committed to delivering health care that is modern, affordable and accessible for all legal residents of The Bahamas,” Mr. Christie said.

Prime Minister Christie said the Government has made “significant investments” in the evaluation and assessment of the public health sector; has evaluated its public healthcare facilities, taken account of the need for additional doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals; analyzed the distribution of financial and material resources and determined the deficit in terms of availability, accessibility and the quality of services in the country’s public sector, all in an effort to ensure National Health Insurance becomes a reality.

Strategic Health Systems Strengthening plans have been developed and are being implemented to bridge the gaps in all areas to support the implementation of National Health Insurance for The Bahamas.

Additionally, officials at the Ministry of Health, the Department of Public Health and the Public Hospitals Authority, have introduced extended clinic hours and increased administrative capacity and availability of services in recent months as part of the overarching plan.

“It is also unacceptable that, today, 70% of Bahamians still do not have health insurance. Not being able to afford healthcare can result in illnesses that are preventable; that can be avoided through access to primary care, which will be the first phase of coverage,” Mr. Christie said

“It is also unacceptable that 32% of Bahamians who needed medical treatment at some point did not seek it because of cost. It cannot be underscored enough that in a modern Bahamas this is our opportunity to provide all Bahamians with the means and wherewithal to obtain routine medical services for themselves and their families.”

Mr. Christie said that since the beginning of the year, the NHI Secretariat has engaged in meaningful dialogue to educate all Bahamians about NHI. This has included presentations to civic, corporate, religious, government and non-government entities.

“The Secretariat consistently makes itself available to any and all organizations which request their presence for a presentation and discussion around NHI. They have travelled across The Bahamas, meeting local residents and speaking at town hall meetings in most islands. Before the end of this budget year every island would have been engaged in discussions on the National Health Insurance Programme.

“I am advised that these presentations are being well received and that the general public is calling for the implementation of NHI Bahamas without further delay.”

Mr. Christie said the NHI Secretariat has also “consistently and assiduously” collaborated with stakeholders over the last twelve months to improve the manner in which we can collaborate regarding NHI Bahamas.

Although public consultations regarding the NHI legislation have been concluded, stakeholder engagements will continue in order to further develop the roadmap towards the phased implementation of NHI Bahamas.

Stakeholder groups have included the Bahamas Association of Physiotherapists, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employer’s Confederation, the Bahamas Chiropractic Association, the Bahamas Dental Association, the Bahamas Doctors Union, the Bahamas Insurance Association, the Bahamas Nurses’ Association, the Medical Association of The Bahamas and the Pharmacy Association of The Bahamas

“The budget allocation for the Ministry of Health reflects an investment in primary care coverage and health systems’ strengthening that will significantly improve the quality of life for Bahamians.  This will reveal itself in shorter wait times, improved facilities, more doctors and Bahamians living longer and healthier lives in a modern Bahamas,” Mr. Christie added.

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