News

News

Joint Statement by NIB and The Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association

5/12/2010 6:05:32 AM
The National Insurance Board and The Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association announced on Thursday that they are working together to successfully launch the National Prescription Drug Plan (NPDP) in August of this year.

Both organizations said their single focus is to support the implementation of the plan which will ensure increased access to prescription medication for the treatment of eleven chronic diseases in Phase I of NPDP. In view of this resolve and the desire of both parties to contribute to instituting the Plan in its best possible form, NIB and the BPA have agreed that neither party will make any additional public statements regarding their discussions towards this goal.

Algernon Cargill, Director of NIB said “We do understand that there may be differences between NIB’s proposal and what the BPA and its members may want to see. NIB is working within a set of approved parameters that we believe provides for a fair and reasonable return, given all of the circumstances, to maximize the participation of local pharmacies. We have consulted widely with the BPA and other key stakeholders to ensure that the approved Plan will provide significant relief to Bahamians suffering from one or more of the 11 chronic diseases identified by NIB in the first phase of the Plan. The feedback we have received from registered beneficiaries and the general public is that NPDP is revolutionary and will increase their access to prescription medication and enable them to better manage their chronic conditions. We believe that at the end of the day, the NPDP that is being introduced will be successful and will be a wonderful business opportunity for the participating pharmacies that choose to join the Plan.”

Dr. Marvin Smith, President of the BPA said the intent of the BPA has always been to partner with the government to ensure a viable, sustainable plan for the Bahamian people.

“Pharmacists are a key part of the healthcare system and the BPA assures the public that our members view the access to healthcare as a fundamental right of every Bahamian. It is the intention of the BPA to continue to work with NIB to produce a programme that will benefit everyone it serves. We will do all we can to ensure that the Drug Plan and the private pharmacy sector can both be sustained, and that this Plan can provide benefit to our people for generations to come. We do this in the spirit of cooperation,” Dr. Smith said.
Comments (0) Add Comment Add Comment
Name

Comment
Captcha
Enter the code from the picture
Direct Deposit
5/19/2010 7:30:11 AM
In February 2006, the National Insurance Board (NIB) began the initiative to have all long-term benefit and assistance payments deposited directly into pensioners’ bank accounts. Apart from the efficiency gained as a result of the direct deposit, NIB considered the initiative to be a significant step forward in ensuring that the actual process of paying pensions and assistance payments was more humane and individualized, as well as confidential.
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL INSURANCE BOARD AND THE BAHAMAS PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION
5/12/2010 4:49:00 AM
The National Insurance Board and The Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association announced on Thursday that they are working together to successfully launch the National Prescription Drug Plan (NPDP) in August of this year.
The National Insurance Board Press Release on Unemployment Benefit
The National Insurance Board Press Release on Unemployment Benefit
3/4/2010 7:43:45 AM
Prime Minister the Right Honourable Hubert Ingraham this week approved the request from the National Insurance Board (NIB), to close out the interim phase and begin the next, permanent phase of the Unemployment Benefit with effect from June 1, 2010. His authorization is in accordance with the Unemployment Benefit Regulations which allow for the Minister with responsibility for National Insurance to advise on the effective date of the permanent phase of the approved program. This new phase will afford unemployed workers the same level of coverage and benefit provisions as the interim phase, but with different qualifying conditions, and a modest increase in contributions.
Guardian Article - Registration for drug plan to begin next week
2/19/2010 6:23:05 AM
By Jimenita Swain ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com: Early registration for the National Prescription Drug Plan is expected to begin next week Monday, said Minister of Health Dr. Hubert Minnis yesterday.
NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN EARLY REGISTRATION DETAILS
2/16/2010 11:38:01 AM
Who is Eligible? In the first phase of the National Prescription Drug Plan coverage has been extended to three specific groups. These groups include NIB pensioners, NIB invalids and children under 18 (or under 25 if in full- time education). For persons of these groups to be eligible for membership in the Plan, they should have been diagnosed with one or more of the 11 chronic diseases covered by the Plan.
Bahamas Weekly Article - Phase I of National Prescription Drug Plan
Bahamas Weekly Article - Phase I of National Prescription Drug Plan
2/11/2010 10:37:00 AM
By Matt Maura Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas - The National Prescription Drug Plan will provide free medications for 11 chronic, non-communicable diseases to 35,000 Bahamians in its initial stage, Tami Francis, Drug Plan Project Manager said Tuesday.