The topic of the National Health Insurance Program continues to appear in the periodicals of the Bahamas. It is one that some understand and others just need more information to make a decision for themselves.

Recently Danny Lowe, President of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce wrote that one of the Chamber's mandates was to bring additional information to the business community relating to economic and social matters. Additionally he added that the GBCC was pursuing avenues to provide to its members and the public at large additional information relating to Health Reform and the upcoming bill.

"We are pleased to announce that the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce will be having a Town Meeting at Workers House at 6 pm this Monday (November 27th) to discuss Health Reform. Our guest speakers for the evening will include Dr. Robin Roberts, Chairman of the Bahamas Medical Association as well as Chairman of the National Coalition for Health Care Reform of which we are a part." said Mr. Lowe.

He added: "The purpose of this meeting is to bring information to our members, the business community and others regarding the new proposed Health Plan. It is a meeting that will allow each of us to be further educated regarding this important milestone in our country's history."

The Chamber also indicated that they are also trying to contact the Ministry of Health to see if they will also be able to participate. Mr. Lowe stated: "We would like to see equal representation. However, if they are not able to make this meeting we will schedule another one in the near future so both sides may be heard. It is a matter that effects each of us so we need to be informed and be able to make decisions for ourselves."

In recent press releases, The National Coalition for Health Care Reform has identified themselves as: "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."

Presently their members include:

The Medical Association of The Bahamas
Bahamas Chamber of Commerce
National Congress of Trade Unions
Bahamas Hotel Association
National Tourism Development Board
Nassau Institute
Bahamas Small Business Association
Bahamas Employers Confederation
Bahamas Hotel Employers Association
Bahamas Dental Association
Bahamas Insurance Brokers Association
Bahamas General Insurance Association
Bahamas Motor Dealers Association
The Bahamas Manufacturers' Agents and Wholesalers Association
Grand Bahamas Chamber of Commerce
Doctors Hospital

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

The Coalition further acknowledges" "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."

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

I. 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;

II. 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;

III. 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;

IV. 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;

V. 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.

VI. 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;

VII. 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.

VIII. 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.