On Thursday, 6 March 2025, Minister of Health an Wellness The Hon. Dr. Michael Darville updated the House of Assembly on my ministerial portfolio during the mid-year budget debate. Here are some key highlights:
– The NIB Chronic Drug Prescription Plan is now under the Health Ministry’s supervision, expanding coverage to over 160,000 Bahamians, up from 44,000.
– The modernization of the Accident and Emergency Department at Princess Margaret Hospital is 80% complete, with a projected finish in May 2025.
– A site across from NIB on Blue Hill Road has been selected for the new Coconut Grove Hospital, costing between $9 million and $11 million.
– The first phase of the new hospital in Grand Bahama is in advanced stages of construction and will be finished this year.
– Construction on new healthcare clinics in Mangrove Cay and Palmetto Point is progressing well.
– The upgrade of 51 healthcare clinics nationwide is at various stages of completion.
– The government, through the Ministry of Health, has launched a kidney donor program in response to the kidney failure epidemic, with 600 Bahamians currently on the government-funded hemodialysis program.
– The Catastrophic Health Fund has already helped numerous Bahamians suffering from catastrophic illnesses, totaling $30 million in assistance.
Meanwhile the FNM machine through Dr Marvin Smith came out attacking the plans suggesting with the Chronic Drug Prescription Plan expansion was not consulted with stakeholders.
When the FNM said NO to a New Hospital. NO to NIB! No to Expansion in the Drug Plan! NO to clinic upgrades (new beds and services). The FNM under Dr Duane Sands refused to give families of deceased Dorian Victims their Death Certificates!
IN SHORT WE AT BP KEEP TELLING YINNER [AND SOME AIN’T GET IT YET] THE FNM WANT YINNER TO DIE!
We report yinner decide!
