NHI is rolling out, and in time for the election, government signed 5 contracts with private primary care providers today. As is now standard for all pre-election political porn, 7NEWS wasn't on the invited list - but we got there, albeit after the cake was cut but just in time to pick up a few crumbs. Like asking, who's going to pay for all this when it's estimated to cost $37 million a year?
Hon. Jose Coye, Minister of Health
"We will be rolling it out in the Burrell Boom area which is the northern part of the Belize District, if I understand you and we will be doing it in Progresso and Patchakan in Corozal and then we will be doing Roaring Creek, part of Belmopan, and a part of I think it is San Ignacio. And those for the five PCPs that we signed today with their supporting services, namely the pharmaceuticals and the imaging."
Jules Vasquez,
So if I am a citizen living in those areas, what should I do if I want to subscribe to NHI?
Hon. Jose Coye,
"What you need to do is then go and register at PCPs, where ever they will be."
Jules Vasquez,
So it is operational now? That is what I am trying to find out.
Hon. Jose Coye,
"I wouldn't say immediately. The signing is today and I would expect that shortly after they will be operational."
Jules Vasquez,
We know Social Security has only made a commitment of $15 million and that's it; $10 million is being is being deployed as I understand it in this rollout. Who will pay for NHI?
Hon. Jose Coye,
"Jules the national health insurance will be paid from the public purse. There's no doubt about that and I made that statement quite clear that it can be done."
Jules Vasquez,
But is there a figure of what budgetary wise, NHI will cost the government of Belize next year?
Hon. Jose Coye,
"Yes. I would put the figure at about $30 million for the primary health care."
There will be 8 private providers but due to missing dots on the "i's" and crosses on the "t's" - the last three contracts will be signed at later date.
