BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE first phase of a government-implemented Universal Health Insurance Scheme, which is aimed at protecting the most vulnerable in St. Kitts and Nevis, is expected to come on stream in 2014.
This was revealed by the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, during his 2014 Budget Presentation on Tuesday (Dec. 10).
“My Government recognises health as a basic human right and a prerequisite to national development. We also subscribe to the philosophy that health care should be accessible to all of our citizens.
“It is with this in mind that in 2014 the Ministry of Health will be rolling out the first phase of a Universal Health Insurance Scheme.”
Dr. Douglas said that the first phase of the programme would be to protect citizens who are uninsured.
“In this first phase the uninsured, particularly the vulnerable and most at risk groups, will be covered to protect them from being impoverished by catastrophic medical bills.”
He added that the government would also roll out an updated National Health Policy along with other health legislation.
“Fiscal year 2014 will also see the implementation of an updated National Health Policy and the enactment of several other pieces of legislation, including a new Pharmacy Act and a new Medical Act, to strengthen the legal framework for the Health Sector.”
Dr. Douglas also spoke about incorporating a new Public Health Act to eliminate health risk.
“A new Public Health Act will incorporate national and international health regulations and measures to mitigate current health risks such as tobacco and obesity caused by the consumption of unhealthy foods.”
“The initiatives to be implemented will focus on the following themes: a robust policy framework; Adequate, predictable and sustainable financing; and evidence-informed decision-making.”
