N.H.I. southside pilot project kicks off
It seems like we’ve been waiting for years, but after numerous delays and a lot of spirited debate, the first phase of the controversial National Health Insurance scheme finally got off the ground today. Ann-Marie reports from the Matron Roberts Health Centre.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
The long awaited N.H.I. pilot project has been officially launched promising thirty-seven thousand Belizeans on the south side of the Belize District improved health care. Keynote speaker at this evening’s ceremony, Prime Minister Said Musa, said the project ushers in a new era in health services in Belize.
Prime Minister Said Musa
“It will involve, as you no doubt have heard, the participation of four primary care facilities, three eye-care centres, five pharmacies, laboratories and three imaging centres, in a new partnership between the public and private sector health providers. It is all part and parcel of a national health sector reform project.”
Health Minister Jose Coye signed a memorandum of understanding along with P.M. Musa, welcoming the public/private N.H.I. partnership. But what is special about the N.H.I. pilot project?
According to the Social Security Board’s General Manager, Narda Garcia, all general consultations at the primary level are free.
Narda Garcia, General Manager, S.S.B.
“You can walk into a primary care provider (P.C.P.) clinic, you can seek a consultation with a general practitioner. If in the event that you need a prescription, they will give you one and you have a choice of five pharmacies where you can get that medication free of charge. If in the event you need a laboratory exam, you are also given a referral to the laboratory of your choice and you get your lab exams done. If you need an imaging test, x-ray, CAT scan or an ultrasound, then that is also done. You are given a referral to any of the three imaging centres and do that. If you need to go to a specialist, you will also be given a referral and you will have the choice of three.”
Garcia says all maternal and gynaecological services are also free, including the delivery of babies; and that’s not all.
Narda Garcia
“We are also offering ophthalmology services, but that’s limited to eye glasses, eye screening for children below nineteen who are at school. And we’re also offering cataract surgery for the people that require it, the older folks that need it.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“So if you’re under nineteen years of age and not a student, you need to pay.”
Narda Garcia
“Yes, you need to pay. Certainly.”
And to know the other services offered under the N.H.I., consumers should certainly consult the N.H.I. patients’ booklet, which can be picked up at any of the four primary care providers. Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
Only eight thousand southside residents have registered so far for the N.H.I. pilot project. Those people who have not yet registered should note that you can’t just wait until you get sick to visit your neighbourhood P.C.P. and register. In that case, you will be required to pay cash in advance of treatment. So please, southsiders, sign up now while you’re healthy.
