The Proposed National Health Insurance Stakeholder Briefing: A transition for MBS

The arrival of consultants for the Proposed National Health Insurance

The Health Economics Centre (HEU),  University of the West Indies Team arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on 12th November 2019 in preparation for discussions with a cross-section of stakeholders, inclusive of the media, to introduce and discuss the proposed implementation of a National Health Insurance for Antigua and Barbuda (Click here for a recap of the event).

Access to quality health care has been identified as an extensive global challenge. For Antigua and Barbuda, the aim of establishing a National Health Insurance seeks to foster a healthier society through efficient access to quality health services to all citizens and residents.

It has been proposed that we, the Medical Benefits Scheme, be transformed into a National Health Insurance, as our organization already has the foundation of such a health financing system. This system will allow citizens and residents to access essential health services when they need it without suffering financial hardship.

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The Introduction of the Proposed National Health Insurance to Stakeholders

On the 14th of November 2019, the Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Hon. Molwyn Joseph collaborated with the Medical Benefits Scheme to host the Proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) Stakeholder Briefing at the Royalton Resort and Spa. An invitation was extended to a cross-section of stakeholders, inclusive of the media to attend the Stakeholder Briefing.

The main objective of this meeting was to introduce the Health Economics Centre (HEU) of the University of the West Indies team, to the stakeholders. The team further provided insight into the establishment of a framework that could guide the implementation of universal health coverage via a National Health Insurance System. The HEU team identified pillars of efficiency in NHI framework to include:

1. Costing Framework

2. Modernization of the Health Information System

3. Legislation on Standards and Protocol

These pillars of efficiency aim to improve and ensure the sustainability of the health care system in Antigua and Barbuda (See videos on this and other topics here).

Special guest speakers at the stakeholder briefing included:

Hon. Minister Molwyn Joseph – Ministry of Health, Wellness & The Environment

Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas – Chief Medical Office, Health, Wellness & The Environment

Prof. Karl Theodore Professor Emeritus, HEU Centre for Health Economics, University of the West Indies

Dr. Stanley Lalta Research Fellow, HEU Centre for Health Economics, University of the West Indies

Mr. Kevin Silston – Chief Executive Officer, Medical Benefits Scheme

The expectation is that Antigua and Barbuda will serve as a model for implementing universal health coverage among OECS member countries.

The five-member team is headed by Professor Emeritus, Karl Theodore, and includes  Dr. Stanley Lalta, Dr. Anton Cumberbatch, Mrs. Patricia Edwards-Wescott, and Ms. Charmaine Metivier.

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