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by pltm
(PLTM) - The government appears divided and out of touch with the cries of persons over the issues with the mandatory National Health Insurance Scheme (NHI).
On Tuesday evening, Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr Orlando Smith, said that the scheme is working well.
"In terms of public services, this year we introduced the National Health Insurance scheme. Despite some growing pains, this bold programme is working well for us," the Premier said.
He added, "A nation's wealth depends on its health. And so we are proud of the fact that, as promised, today every BVIslander, every resident now has access to the peace of mind and security that comes with having health insurance."
This comes three weeks after backbencher Hon. Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull announced at a community meeting that government has decided to alter the scheme, in light of some issues particularly, the exorbitant prices at the counter of local healthcare providers.
The Second District Representative had indicated that the decision to make adjustments came during the week of November 14. Following that meeting, Turnbull maintained that he is has no problem speaking out against the issues with NHI.
Information is that $12,969,306 have already been paid out to local healthcare providers for services rendered in the first 8 months of NHI, which came into force in January of this year.
Residents have commented that the cost for prescriptions has skyrocketed since NHI, and has tripled in some cases.
The NHI programme was designed to provide affordable universal healthcare to persons of the BVI, all while providing a dedicated source of funds for strengthening the local healthcare system.
With over $50M being allocated to the longevity of the programme, one of the main features of the fund is the co-pay. Registrants seeking medical assistance, both in terms of doctor care/visits and medication, are expected to pay only a percentage of the end cost.
The percentage an individual is subjected to pay varies, depending on the establishment one is seeking such assistance from.
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