PRESS RELEASE
Issued by Raynard Rigby
National Chairman, PLP
Friday, 17th November, 2006
 
 

The PLP salutes the Government on NHI
 

The PLP takes this opportunity to congratulate the Government on the Bill that is now before Parliament that will lead to the formal introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (“NHI”).

We are proud of the introduction of NHI because we are aware that it will be in the best interests of the Bahamian people and will provide real relief for many thousands of Bahamians.

During the last election campaign, our Leader, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, spoke passionately about the many Bahamians that he confronted whose lives were hampered by the fact that they had no access to affordable health care. All Bahamians are aware of persons who at some time in their lives required medical care and attention but their resources did not allow for them to receive the quality care that they so desperately needed. There are also so many Bahamians who simply cannot afford private medical insurance.

The fact that this government has taken the steps to introduce NHI is but a reminder of our traditional philosophy to assist the least amongst us.

The public will also recall that in Our Plan we promised to “put in place a system of National Health Insurance so that every Bahamian will have insurance coverage for major surgery and other medical services.” This too is but another important promise made that has been delivered by this Party.

We are proud of this Government and we will continue to stand with our Leader as he continues in his efforts to govern The Bahamas in such a way to ensure that the lives of all Bahamians are significantly improved.

We note that the FNM has thus far failed to publicly indicate its support for the NHI. We trust that they will not allow their lust to blindly follow their special-moneyed-interest group to cause them to vote against the NHI and the entitlement that it will extend to well deserving Bahamians.

Our mission in the PLP is to bring about a more caring and healthy society. The NHI is a major step in that direction and therefore we applaud the government for its vision and the decision to move rapidly to bring about the NHI.