White paper on universal health care in St Kitts-Nevis expected in April

Azilla Clarke, Chairperson of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for Universal Health Care (SKNNCUHC), has reported that the actuarial consultants from Morneau Shepell (Bahamas) Ltd. are close to completing their work. Their task is to develop funding forecasts and projections for the National Health Insurance including setting adequate health care premiums.

The actuarial report is expected shortly and will inform the White Paper on Universal Health Care for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Ms. Clarke estimates that the White Paper will be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers for consideration before the end of April 2019.

At Tuesday’s (March 26, 2019) Team Unity Community Consultation held at the Sandy Point Community Centre, Dr. Harris promoted the value of National Health Insurance, and said that when implemented, persons who fall ill can gain relief from expensive medical bills.

“You don’t have to have all the headaches and pressure of attempting to find monies to get you health care. The National Health Insurance is intended to pay for health care for everyone. Whether you are young or old, black or white, living at Mattingley, Frigate Bay, Tabernacle Phillips’, Molineux, Sandy Point, wherever you are, our National Health Insurance programme will take care of you,” he stated, to much applause from the scores of persons in the audience.

At the town hall, Prime Minister Harris said the government was looking forward to creating a programme that is “responsive and modern” to meet the needs of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

He added that the focus on the implementation of Universal Health Care follows the government’s success in other programmes such as the Poverty Alleviation Programme that provides a $500 stipend for households earning less than $3,000 per month; the Roof Repair Programme, that rehabilitated roofs damaged by the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017; and the ongoing Road Upgrade Project to resurface the island’s main road.