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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 Stakeholder Advisory Council being formed to establish decision-making framework for implementation of universal health coverage
Nassau, The Bahamas – On May 31st , 2016, Permanent Secretary for the National Health
Insurance (NHI) Secretariat, Peter Deveaux-Isaacs announced that invitations have been formally issued to prospective members who will form the UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council.
In keeping with the Government of The Bahamas’ commitment to working with stakeholders to shape the design and implementation of universal health coverage (UHC) and support the advancement of health system strengthening goals, the UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council is intended to ensure that there is ongoing stakeholder engagement and continuous collaboration towards the effort of attaining UHC in country and the improvement of the health of Bahamian residents. Additionally, the Advisory Council is designed to ensure a responsible and cooperative approach towards meeting the Government’s NHI Bahamas’ timelines.
To officially launch the UHC governance structure proposed by KPMG, a kick-off meeting is scheduled to be held the week of June 6th at the NHI Bahamas Secretariat.
“As we move forward implementing universal health coverage, it is important to formalize a governance structure that will oversee the work being undertaken. We have invited knowledgeable stakeholders to take part in the decision-making process for the roll-out of universal health coverage,” said Permanent Secretary Deveaux-Isaacs.
The UHC Advisory Council will include representation from key stakeholder groupings. The government maintains its efforts to consult with all stakeholders. The stakeholder community remains relevant to the process. The Government intends to consult in good faith with as many stakeholders as possible in preparation for the implementation of UHC.
“NHI Bahamas is committed to good governance, and the creation of the UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council is a part of this new mechanism,” added Permanent Secretary Deveaux-Isaacs. “Stakeholder participation in this group will be key in shaping the final NHI model.”
The UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council will meet regularly, with the overall goal of engaging stakeholders and the community for ideas and feedback on the design and implementation of UHC.
The mandate for the UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council is outlined in the accompanying backgrounder. An outline of the UHC governance structure is also attached.
Backgrounder: UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council
Nassau, The Bahamas –
May 31st 2016 - In keeping with the Government of The Bahamas’
commitment to work with stakeholders to shape the design and
implementation of universal health coverage (UHC) and support
advancement of health system goals, the UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council
is being formed.
A select group of stakeholders representing the
health sector, patients, employers, employees, civil society, and the
insurance industry were formally invited to join the Advisory Council,
which is proposed to hold its inaugural meeting the week of June 6th
2016. This newly formed group will be in addition to ongoing stakeholder
and public consultation as the Government moves forward in implementing
UHC in The Bahamas.
The following principles will guide the Advisory Council:
- Shared Vision – rally around a vision to successfully implement UHC.
- Collaboration – collaboration will lead us to better solutions and we will work together.
- Accessibility – providing accessible patient care to all Bahamians.
- Sustainability – present solutions to sustain health care system.
- Quality
of Care – ensure health care services are considered effective if they
lead to best possible patient care outcomes; safe if they are responsive
to patients’ needs while minimizing risks; and of a high standard if
they use leading practices, the right information and the most
appropriate technology.
The main roles and responsibilities of the Council are as follow:
- To support the design and implementation of UHC.
- To provide advice to the UHC Executive Steering Committee on matters relating to the implementation of UHC.
- To review and provide feedback, upon request, on matters brought to the Advisory Council.
- To engage stakeholders and the community for ideas and feedback on the design and implementation of UHC.
- To champion universal health coverage vision and goals, which support modern, affordable and accessible healthcare for all.
Organizations invited include:
- Medical Association of The Bahamas
- Nurses Association of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
- Bahamas Health Professions Association
- Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association
- Bahamas Dental Association
- National Commission for Persons with Disabilities
- PAHO/WHO Country Representative
- Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Council
- National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas
- Trade Union Congress & Bahamas Public Service Union
- Bahamas Insurance Association
- Bahamas Christian Council
Since
it was not feasible to include the entire spectrum of relevant
stakeholders in UHC governance, there will be additional opportunities
for stakeholder consultations in the future with groups and individuals
who were not invited to serve on the UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council.
The Government will consult in good faith with as many stakeholders as
possible in preparation for the implementation of universal health
coverage.
Attached below is a mock-up of the UHC governance model:
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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