The National Coalition
For Health Care Reform

Press Release - 11th December, 2006

Ministry and Coalition Deepens Consultation on NHI

The National Coalition for Health Care Reform (NCHCR) announces that the Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Nottage, has agreed to engage the Coalition in meaningful consultation with regards to having input and opportunities to enhance the proposed NHI plan. The Coalition contends that NHI must not only be affordable on implementation, but also efficient, financially sustainable and ensure the right of choice of one's insurance provider. The Minister has committed to provide the Coalition with all relevant information used by the Government in developing the plans for the Executive Summary which has been circulated in the country.

The Coalition Chairman, Dr. Robin Roberts and Vice Chairman, J. Barrie Farrington met with the Minister and his team and reached an agreement on the way forward.

The first matter to be addressed is related to the Bill recently passed by the House of Assembly but is to be debated in the Senate before becoming law. A meeting with the legal review commissioner will take place this week to discuss the Coalition's comments on the Bill as outlined in the Coalition's submission to the Minister two weeks ago. The Minister indicated that there is still an opportunity to make amendments to the Bill while before the Senate, or thereafter.

Subsequent to the legal review, members of the Coalition will be meeting regularly with Ministry Officials and at different stages of the discussions, the Minister will be personally involved.

From the outset, the National Coalition for Health Care Reform was committed to the development of a national health plan that benefits persons from all walks of life. The Coalition has stated very clearly from the beginning that no Bahamian should suffer undue hardship because they cannot afford health care and that we all have a responsibility to assist the indigent and the poor. It is clear from the many Bahamians who have supported the Coalition's initiatives and its ideals, that a national plan and its implications are a concern of all Bahamians.

According to Dr. Roberts "We will remain steadfast in our quest and remain focused on our guiding principles as outlined previously. It is our intention to have frank and open discussions with the Ministry on the plan while sharing whatever information, knowledge or experience we have at our disposal. With God's guidance and blessings, we commit to participate in this national health plan's 'work in progress' with the intent to provide the best health care services for all residents of the Bahamas within the limits of our country's resources."

Press Release 28th November, 2006   ||   Public Release 21st March, 2007