The National Coalition
For Health Care Reform

Statement of Purpose

The National Coalition for Health Care Reform 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; of equal importance in our endeavors is to establish a NHI plan that is financially viable and sustainable for many years to come.

The Coalition acknowledges that Government has always sought to make available affordable health care and for that purpose uses more than 15% of the national budget. The Coalition also recognizes that there is an ever-increasing need for improved and expanded health care and that Government is to be commended for taking the initiative to meet this most daunting challenge.

The Coalition unanimously supports the need for health care reform and restructuring.

The Coalition submits that health care reform in the Bahamas must reflect the following principles:

1. Upgrading the present health care infrastructure should be the first priority: The Bahamian health care system requires significant and sustained restructuring and reform which includes an upgrade to the physical, human and administrative infrastructure.

2. All Bahamian Residents should have access to health care: Reform must improve and ensure access to primary, secondary and critical care for all Bahamian Residents.

3. True and Meaningful Consultation and Consensus: Reform dictates that the principal stakeholders must be equitable partners in the articulation, development and execution for improvements to the health care system.

4. Detailed Breakdown of Benefits Under the System: The benefits of a national health care plan must be clearly defined and articulated at the outset in order to avoid misinformation and unreasonable expectations by the public.

5. Public Choice: The intent of health care reform must be to provide universal health care coverage. It is important that the public should have choice in selecting their insurance carrier and health care provider.

6. An Ombudsman for Health: An independent legislated oversight body for the health care sector should be established with the power to address public or health care provider concerns and investigate, if necessary, violations or breaches of the application of the National Health Plan.

7. Viability and Sustainability: A plan should be established which is financially viable and able to sustain itself over time. It should not diminish nor discourage prospect of consistent economic growth, the creation of new jobs, and the increase in entrepreneurial opportunities. Nor should it create an undue burden on the people or the government of The Bahamas.

8. Phasing In Health Care Reform: An Implementation Strategy should incorporate a "Phase-In" approach, giving priority to those areas of public health that are most critical. This is to provide the opportunity to adjust to a new health care system, while permitting the underlying infrastructure the time to expand to meet increased demands.

We are deeply committed toward contributing to the improvement and sustainability of health care in The Bahamas. Accordingly, the Coalition for National Health Care Reform will collaborate with government in producing a plan that is practical, efficient and minimizes the future financial burden on the people of The Bahamas.

20th of September, 2006