And the NHI Bill was also introduced in the House today. The bill seeks to establish the administrative framework and other necessary mechanisms to enable accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare. The PM explained more.
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"We on this side believe that this is of profound national importance. The National Health Insurance Authority Bill of 2026 represents a single most significant transformation of our nation's health care system in our generation. Its purpose is clear. Its mandate is urgent and is fulfilling the People's United Party and this government's commitment to social justice principle. For too long, the quality of health care a citizen receives has been dictated by their ability to pay. This is a fundamental inequity that our nation must resolve."
"Today, we take a decisive step to fulfill or a solemn promise made to the Belizean people in planBelize, the establishment of a universal, single-payer National Health Insurance, NHI system that guarantees quality health care as a right, not a privilege. This bill I present today does not merely adjust existing mechanisms, it creates an entirely new foundation. Cabinet is convinced that a new, independent and powerful statutory body, the National Health Insurance Authority, will be better than what presently exists. This legislation empowers the NHI Authority with several critical mandates to achieve universal coverage. It will be the sole public payer and strategic purchaser. The Authority will act as a single, consolidated public payer for all essential primary health services. This centralised power is not for control but for responsibility to ensure every dollar is spent efficiently to achieve the best health outcomes for our population."
