The National Coalition
For Health Care Reform

Press Release - 1st November, 2006

Formidable Coalition Tackles National Health Care

A number of the nation's leading organizations have announced the formation of the National Coalition for Health Care Reform (NCHCR) to discuss, analyze and provide input to the Government's proposed National Health Insurance Plan. The Government is proceeding to implement a far-reaching National Health Insurance (NHI) program.

The Coalition is a partnership of Bahamian citizens representing all sectors of society who are committed to improving health care services that truly incorporate the elements of the right of choice and equal access to health care services for all residents in the Bahamas. The group hopes to work with Government to establish a national health insurance plan that is financially viable and sustainable.

"The Coalition share the government's view that we must make substantial and meaningful upgrades to the delivery of health care in the Bahamas", notes Dr. Robin Roberts, Chairman of the Medical Association of The Bahamas and the National Coalition. "All Bahamian residents should have full and fair access to the best available health services."

"However," Dr. Roberts continues, "As has been evident in public discussions to date, the Coalition is doubtful the NHI system as proposed is the best way forward. So, we thought it necessary to do several things: first, to examine the proposed NHI plan and how it would impact individuals, the economy and the broader community; secondly, to understand the 'reality' of the Bahamian health care experience and to determine where the gaps exist; and thirdly, to articulate a range of other options."

Members of the National Coalition of Private Sector Organizations include: the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, the National Congress of Trade Unions, the Medical Association of the Bahamas, the Bahamas Hotel Association, the Bahamas General Insurance Association, the Bahamas Employer's Confederation, the Small Business Association of The Bahamas, the Bahamas Hotel Employer's Association, the Nassau Tourism & Development Board, the Nassau Institute, the Bahamas Dental Association, the Bahamas Insurance Brokers Association, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association, the Bahamas Manufacturers Agents and Wholesalers Association , and Doctors Hospital.

"We are committed to meaningful consultation with the Government in finding the most efficient and cost effective methods of proving full health care coverage" adds Dr. Roberts.

In an effort to support the need to relevant information, the Coalition has engaged local and international consultants to complete a study on the scope and extent of existing private insurance coverage in the Bahamas. The study will also include international "best-practices" to find suitable options for a functional national heath care system.

The Coalition has developed a Statement of Purpose which outlines eight guiding principles that the Coalition feel are key to the successful implementation of a National Health Care Plan. A number of resources were consulted in the development of these guiding principles which are:

1. Upgrading the present health care infrastructure should be the first priority
2. All Bahamian Residents should have access to health care
3. True and Meaningful Consultation and Consensus
4. Detailed Breakdown of Benefits Under the System
5. The Importance of Public Choice in Health Care
6. An Ombudsman for Health
7. Viability and Sustainability
8. Phasing In Health Care Reform

J. Barrie Farrington, President of the Bahamas Hotel Employers Association and Vice Chairman of the Coalition stated "I am confident that the Government will listen to the Coalition as the Coalition represents a very large portion of the stakeholders and further, we are approaching this important national issue in good faith. We believe that we are more than able to make a very positive and constructive contribution to developing a plan that will produce the best results for our Bahamian people."

Press Release 15th November, 2006