The Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) has – for the second time in only a handful of days – lashed out at the government’s handling of the preparation for implementing a universal health coverage system. It charges the government’s claims of an ongoing consultative process over the National Health Insurance proposals made by consultants Sanigest Internacional – and the government itself – are “disingenuous at best”.

On the same day as the Bahamas Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) challenged the government on the role being played by James Cercone, president of Sanigest Internacional, the BIA blasted away at the government’s so-called consultative process. The BIA has repeatedly stated in the public arena, and - it asserts - in various communications to the government that while the Ministry of Health seeks to publically promote a commitment to inclusivity, in practice it avoids involving BIA members as stakeholders in any substantive way.

“This is despite multiple attempts to contribute our knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the country in a sincere effort to improve the methodology and approaches recommended by Sanigest.

“Consultation requires a meeting of minds through deliberation. It involves genuine dialogue, meaning a discussion that considers advice and guidance from all relevant stakeholders. Consultation requires a forum that provides for the exchange of information to achieve better understanding in order to produce the best outcomes and arrive at the best decisions,” the BIA said in a statement issued yesterday.

“Our experience to date suggests that the government defines consultation as invitations to stakeholders to attend presentations made by foreign consultants on what they are going to do, without any direct discourse between the parties involved.

“There has been no forum providing an opportunity for the local private sector to either fully understand the government's proposals, or to present alternative scenarios,” the BIA asserted.

In a shot at Sanigest, the BIA queried: “Can it be that an external consulting firm based in another jurisdiction is the only entity that knows what is in the best interest of our country and our people?” The association alleged that there has been no change in the process since Prime Minister Perry Christie announced that there would be an “advisory body” established to include private sector representation.

“Whilst the BIA continues to offer support for the achievement of universal healthcare in The Bahamas, we are in the position of always having to react to whatever limited information is being floated by the consultants at any given time. We have yet to be engaged in any meaningful discussion, consultation or dialogue with the government on this matter,” the BIA statement said.

While acknowledging that Sanigest’s draft proposals are available, the BIA complained that it had not received any detailed plans regarding decisions taken by the government or mechanisms for inclusion of the private health insurance sector.

“Sanigest’s proposals are devoid of many relevant details regarding implementation of NHI within the practicalities of our industry, the local infrastructure and our national circumstances - either for the immediate or long-term development of NHI.

“As Bahamian citizens and proven professionals, we expect more meaningful engagement in our own country. Are we wrong to expect such cooperation? Or should we simply resign ourselves to governmental coercion?

“Given our experience to date, we suggest that consultation in our land is more illusive than inclusive. But we remain ever hopeful,” the BIA said.