In keeping with the Government of The Bahamas’ commitment to work with stakeholders to shape the design and implementation of universal health coverage (UHC) and support advancement of health system goals, the UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council is being formed.

A select group of stakeholders representing the health sector, patients, employers, employees, civil society, and the insurance industry were formally invited to join the Advisory Council, which is proposed to hold its inaugural meeting the week of June 6th 2016. This newly formed group will be in addition to ongoing stakeholder and public consultation as the Government moves forward in implementing UHC in The Bahamas.

The following principles will guide the Advisory Council:

•    Shared Vision – rally around a vision to successfully implement UHC.

•    Collaboration – collaboration will lead us to better solutions and we will work together.

•    Accessibility – providing accessible patient care to all Bahamians.

•    Sustainability – present solutions to sustain health care system.

•    Quality of Care – ensure health care services are considered effective if they lead to best possible patient care outcomes; safe if they are responsive to patients’ needs while minimizing risks; and of a high standard if they use leading practices, the right information and the most appropriate technology.

The main roles and responsibilities of the Council are as follow:

•    To support the design and implementation of UHC.

•    To provide advice to the UHC Executive Steering Committee on matters relating to the implementation of UHC.

•    To review and provide feedback, upon request, on matters brought to the Advisory Council.

•    To engage stakeholders and the community for ideas and feedback on the design and implementation of UHC.

•    To champion universal health coverage vision and goals, which support modern, affordable and accessible healthcare for all.

Organizations invited include:

•    Medical Association of The Bahamas

•    Nurses Association of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas

•    Bahamas Health Professions Association

•    Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association

•    Bahamas Dental Association

•    National Commission for Persons with Disabilities

•    CMO Emeritus

•    PAHO/WHO Country Representative

•    Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Council

•    National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas

•    Trade Union Congress & Bahamas Public Service Union

•    Bahamas Insurance Association

•    Bahamas Christian Council

•    Civil Society Bahamas

Since it was not feasible to include the entire spectrum of relevant stakeholders in UHC governance, there will be additional opportunities for stakeholder consultations in the future with groups and individuals who were not invited to serve on the UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council. The Government will consult in good faith with as many stakeholders as possible in preparation for the implementation of universal health coverage.

Source: Bahamas Information Services