NHI Authority hosting community meetings and stakeholder briefings in Grand Bahama to discuss revamped NHI program
Nassau, The Bahamas – November 1, 2018 – On October 23, 2018, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) launched a 45-day consultation period with stakeholders and the public to discuss proposed changes to the NHI program, as outlined in the policy paper, National Health Insurance: A Shared Responsibility. As part of the consultation process, the NHIA will be scheduling meetings with stakeholder groups and will be hosting community meetings in New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands.
On November 5th and 6th, the NHIA will be in Grand Bahama to meet with local residents and stakeholders to answer questions and receive feedback on the proposed plan for NHI Bahamas. Grand Bahamians are encouraged to attend the following community meetings:
- Monday, November 5that 6:00PM – Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Eight Mile Rock
- Tuesday, November 6th at 6:00PM – Church of the Ascension, Freeport
“As we take steps to improve the NHI program to better meet the needs of Bahamians, it is important that we hear from residents and stakeholder groups across the archipelago. We will start in Grand Bahama and also have plans to travel to Abaco, Exuma, Eleuthera, Andros, Long Island and New Providence to discuss the new direction for NHI and hear from a broad spectrum of Bahamians on what they think is the best way forward to improve health care in The Bahamas,” said Dr. Robin Roberts, Chairman of the NHIA Board.
“We acknowledge there have been some questions raised by stakeholder groups regarding the plan and we welcome their feedback and that of the public. The goal of the consultation process is to collaboratively establish the new framework for NHI which will improve health outcomes for The Bahamas as we continue on the path to Universal Healthcare Coverage.”
The NHIA will also consult with representatives of the business community in Grand Bahama to discuss proposed changes to the program.
“On behalf of the local business community, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce supports the consultation process and welcomes the opportunity to discuss the proposed framework for the new National Health Insurance program. Businesses understand the importance of a healthy and productive workforce and we look forward to meeting with the NHI Authority to discuss their proposal,” said Mick Holding, President of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce.
For persons and stakeholders who are unable to attend these meetings, they can submit their feedback through the online consultation survey which can be accessed here:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/NationalHealthInsuranceAuthority/NHIAPolicyPaperFeedback
Based on the feedback collected during the consultation period, the NHIA will then present recommendations to the Government of The Bahamas on the way forward for NHI Bahamas.
For more information on NHI Bahamas, visit www.nhibahamas.gov.bs.
Contact the National Health Insurance Authority:
Email: info@nhibahamas.gov.bs
Phone: 242-396-8500
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