The Government of The Bahamas is in the midst of an ambitious drive to provide even greater access to healthcare and health institutions for all Bahamians, Health Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis said in his address to the monthly meeting of the Nurses Association of The Bahamas Monday.

This provision, he said, is in anticipation of any ?unexpected challenges? the current worldwide financial crisis and credit crunch could have on healthcare locally.

Dr. Minnis said it is the Government?s belief that equitable access to healthcare and greater equity in health outcomes, are fundamental to a well-functioning economy.

?It may also be a measure of how a civilized society is making progress,? Dr. Minnis added.

Dr. Minnis said countries at all levels of development ? The Bahamas included ? are concerned about the impact the current financial crisis can possibly have on healthcare.

He said some of those concerns relate to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, in addition to possible increases in the use of harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol as well as increases in the ingestion of processed foods.

?In these financially depressed times, consumers may increase their intake of processed foods that are high in fats and sugar and low in essential nutrients, leading to more health related diseases,? Dr. Minnis said.

?It is an accepted fact that such foods contribute to obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.?

Dr. Minnis said healthcare professionals are already experiencing, or can expect to experience, increases in public and private patients seeking medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Community Clinics

Health insurance coverage being lost due to an inability to pay, increases in chronic, non-communicable diseases (CNCDs), increased demand for bed space, increased demand for public sector supplied medication and increases in the number of persons experiencing the ?burn out? syndrome can also be expected, he said.

The Health Minister said he met with health management teams to devise plans that will effectively respond to the challenging economic times.

Dr. Minnis said the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each year, healthcare costs have risen and that in some instances those rising costs have led to individuals and groups not only losing medical coverage, but also losing their status as middle-class citizens.

Dr. Minnis said the World Bank issued an assessment of the impact the financial crisis is having on many of the developed and developing countries with the assessment showing that many people are losing their jobs, homes and savings and their lives; which he called a ?tragic outcome.?

He said it is against this backdrop that the Government of The Bahamas, through the Ministry of Health, has undertaken the ?ambitious drive? to improve access to healthcare and health institutions for Bahamians.

?In the interim, budgets must be funded and health programmes must be continued,? Dr. Minnis said. ?At my Ministry, there is a renewed focus and concern relating to ensuring that resources, including staff and medical equipment are available and functioning.?

?In spite of the financial crisis affecting health, we must ensure that we continue to provide the best possible healthcare system while maintaining the highest standards,? Dr. Minnis added.

Photo: Minister of Health Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis addressed members of the Nurses Association of The Bahamas during the Association?s monthly meeting held at Longley House. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)