Bahamas extends consultation on health care overhaul

The Bahamas' national health insurance authority (NHIA) said it would be extending its public consultation period as the nation looks to carry out major changes to its public healthcare system.

The Bahamas Information Services reported Thursday that the period would be extended 10 days to conclude December 16 "to provide more communities and stakeholder groups with the opportunity to share their feedback about potential ways forward for the NHI program."

The development emerged as an effort to build on a series of "successful community meetings" held in Grand Bahama.

"NHI Bahamas is transforming to improve the health and well-being of all Bahamians. I am encouraged by the meaningful and productive discussions we have had with stakeholders and members of the public during the consultation period so far, and look forward to welcoming additional voices to the table by extending the deadline for consultation," said NHIA chair Robin Roberts in the report.

"Our objective is to build a NHI program that will act as a catalyst for change in the way Bahamians experience health care, and working with communities on a path forward is exactly how we will achieve that. It is important that Bahamians make their voice heard and contribute to the debate on the implementation of this program as we move towards universal healthcare in The Bahamas," added Roberts.

Other upcoming visits are planned for Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Long Island and New Providence to hear from more Bahamians and stakeholder groups on NHI.

Stakeholders and members of the public can also review the policy paper online and submit their feedback through the online consultation survey.

Based on the feedback collected during the consultation period, NHIA will present recommendations to the government.