The Consultants Physicians Staff Association (CPSA) and the Medical Association of The Bahamas (MAB) met on Tuesday night with Prime Minister Perry Christie, who revealed that he has asked international firm KPMG to provide yet another layer of outside consultation on the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, Guardian Business has learned.
One doctor, who asked not to be identified, explained that Christie said the rollout - such as it is - would not stop.
"So things will proceed as planned, and KPMG will add suggestions," the doctor said.
Two weeks ago, on the sidelines of the 25th annual Bahamas Business Outlook, Christie explained that, despite having had the advice of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the government's internal advisors - and of course the scheme's progenitor, Sanigest Internacional - he was going to bring in yet another outside consultant "just to be sure" his administration was "doing the right thing".
Christie did not at the time identify who that consultant would be, and has kept the information close to his chest even up to now.
Guardian Business understands the doctors were told that KPMG has the most experience with such matters.
"Which probably means they should have been brought in from the start," said someone close to the matter.
A physician addressed the issue of whether the doctors thought this was "an acceptable path forward".
"Well, we don't really have a choice. They are coming in regardless of what we think, but considering the mess that Sanigest made of it, all in all we are hoping they make things better," the physician said.
KPMG touts its global healthcare practice and center of excellence as making a difference for organizations seeking innovative approaches.
"Clients are able to get a broader perspective on their current issues, which can lead to more creative and effective solutions. The combination of our global mindset and expertise with local prowess means clients get the best of both worlds - global insight translated into practical action," the firm boasts on its website.
A source with knowledge of the matter pointed out that KPMG "may have extensive expertise working with governments to implement" health care systems.
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