About the Drug Plan
The National Drug Plan is one of several initiatives by the Government of The Bahamas to improve access to health care services and in so doing to enhance health and quality of life for the Bahamian people.
Aims and Benefits of Plan
The Plan will assist patients suffering from chronic diseases in getting their prescription drugs and medical supplies at any participating public or private pharmacy at zero or minimal cost. This will help patients who currently face problems over timely access to drugs; the high cost of drugs and inadequate levels of compliance in managing their chronic condition.
The Plan will also provide funds for health promotion, healthy lifestyle and wellness projects.
Chronic Diseases to be Covered
Chronic diseases are the major causes of illness, hospitalization, surgery and early deaths in The Bahamas. Patients suffering form 1 or more of the following chronic diseases will be able to benefit from the Plan:-Asthma; Arthritis; Breast Cancer; Diabetes; Glaucoma; High Cholesterol; Hypertension; Ischaemic Heart Disease; Major Depression; Prostate Cancer; Psychosis.
How the Plan will Work
As a member, you can now take your prescription from the doctor along with your membership card to any participating public or private pharmacy to get your medication. The pharmacy will send information on the filled prescription to the NIB Office for payment.
The Plan will be managed by the National Insurance Board and will be rolled out in Phases. In Phase 1 the Plan will cover NIB pensioners, invalids and children up to 18 years or up to 25 years if in full-time education. All other groups will be covered in later Phases.
The start-up date will be announced by Government.