National Health Insurance (NHI) Expands Coverage to the Orange Walk District.

By: Omar Silva, NP Staff Writer

Belize City, Sunday 9th July 2023

The Briceno Administration in Belize has launched the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme in the Orange Walk District, demonstrating the government's commitment to improving healthcare access and services for all Belizeans. Through the Social Security Board, the government has signed contracts with primary healthcare facilities and companies to provide essential services to the residents of Orange Walk, also known as Sugar City. The ultimate goal is to extend the scheme to other districts in the future, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the country.

Prime Minister John Briceno has emphasized the necessity of sustainable funding for the NHI, going beyond the current financing derived from gaming revenues generated by the nightly Boledo. To secure additional funds, the Prime Minister has proposed exploring avenues such as sin taxes on beer, soft drinks, liquor, and cigarettes. Furthermore, he has suggested including gambling revenues from nationwide casinos and one-hand bandit machines, with technological advancements enabling efficient collection and tracking. The government is actively investigating these options to ensure adequate resources for investment in the national health insurance program.

The NHI aims to provide full coverage to every Belizean, regardless of age or gender. The plan is to expand the scheme to the north side of Belize City in the coming year, followed by the Cayo district in mid-2024. The decision to launch the NHI in Orange Walk District was made after careful consideration and some deliberation between the CEO and the Minister of Health, ultimately leading to prioritizing Orange Walk. The government is determined to ensure that every district, community, and citizen receives equitable healthcare access.

Minister of Health Kevin Bernard has highlighted the crucial role of the NHI's board in ensuring that healthcare providers adhere to the conditions outlined in their contracts. Affordable access to essential health services for everyday Belizeans is of utmost importance, as emphasized by the Minister. The NHI program in Orange Walk District covers a comprehensive range of health services, including preventative measures such as vaccinations and screenings, as well as critical care management for conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The program's overarching objective is to promote overall wellness, prevent diseases, and ensure early diagnosis and management of health conditions.

Playing a vital role as the legal representative of the NHI, the Social Security Board is responsible for overseeing all activities related to the program. Their primary focus is to ensure the smooth implementation and seamless transition of the NHI in the Orange Walk District. The board's oversight will guarantee that the program operates efficiently and effectively.

The launch of the NHI in Orange Walk District exemplifies the government's unwavering commitment to achieving health equity and its promise to leave no district, community, or citizen behind. By providing comprehensive and affordable healthcare services to all Belizeans, the government aims to make health access universal, translating policy into tangible practice. The NHI is a significant step forward in the pursuit of this vision, with future expansions planned to benefit more regions and prioritize those in need of healthcare services the most.

National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage is now poised to expand in Belize's northern region, with a budget allocation of $7 million dedicated to the rollout in Orange Walk. This allocation is based on projections, considering factors such as covering the entire population and negotiating contract prices. While the exact cost of delivering services is yet to be determined, Dr. Ramon Figueroa, the General Manager of NHI, remains optimistic about managing expenses within the projected amount.

The expansion of NHI coverage will benefit approximately 60,000 residents in the area, with a particular focus on providing services for the elderly. To fulfill this objective, an initial investment cost is required to establish a clinic in partnership with HelpAge. Despite the financial commitment, the NHI is confident in the advantages it will bring. Dr. Figueroa believes that the manageable increase of half a million dollars in the monthly budget is a stepping stone for future growth.

The NHI's overarching goal is to extend their services to more individuals in the northern region, ensuring coverage for those most in need. With the projected rollout in Orange Walk, the program aims to enhance the quality of healthcare for residents, especially the elderly. While the budget allocation is a projection, the NHI remains steadfast in their ability to effectively manage costs and deliver high-quality services to the population.