NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE (NHI) STILLBORN
Before being born baby NHI has died! Last week, on August 13th, 2010 to be more specific, the Private Hospitals who supply delivery services to the NHI for expecting mothers of the South-side Belize City got a Memo from the Social Security Board/NHI informing them, that in accordance to contract they were being given ninety days notice before these services would no longer be required . The effective date for the termination of delivery services is November 12, 2010. This alarming announcement is sending red flags all over Belize City among suppliers of services to the NHI. Suppliers of services to the NHI are wondering if this is the beginning of the dismemberment of the NHI. When we contacted one of the owners of a Pharmacy, she said it is very disturbing what is happening. After all the investment these suppliers have done to service the NHI, the last thing they need is to have their contracts ended. Suppliers: pharmacies, labs, clinics, etc are all nervous with this announcement as this augurs bad for their businesses. This, they say, will affect their ability to keep personnel employed and will affect the viability of the businesses. However, we wonder here at the Belize Times what will the patients and residents of the south-side say when they learn about this decision. What will our expecting mothers of Belize south-side say when they learn that they will no longer be able to access the services at the private hospitals? This means that expecting mothers of the South-side Belize City, who could access delivery services from Private Medical Institutions like Belize Medical Associates and Belize Health Partners, while paying only a small co-payment, will no longer be able to do so. Effective November 12, delivery services through the NHI will cease! You will have to go to the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) says the memo and pay the current rates. When the PUP envisioned the NHI it was always with the idea of increasing services and expanding the coverage. Another e-mail sent out to the Primary Health Care Providers (PCPS) on the same date and by the same person informed these health care providers that referrals should no longer be made to the Private Hospital for deliveries as monies were being re-allocated to address the Nutritional problems facing the Southern region of the country. Reliable sources tell ...








