$57 Million Dollar Expansion Coming to NHI

Prime Minister John Briceño announced in Tuesday’s House Sitting in Belmopan a $57 million expansion plan for the National Health Insurance (NHI) programme.

“For fiscal year 2026–2027, we are moving from stabilisation to strategic expansion,” Briceño said.

He said the initiative is aimed at extending coverage to the entire Cayo District, which would push active users nationwide past 325,000.

Briceno said his administration will be “allocating significant resources to also strengthen the supply side.”

The plan includes upgraded polyclinics, increased staffing, and partnerships with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to ensure services can meet rising demand.

Briceno’s comments on expansion come after years of debate over NHI’s effectiveness. Launched 25 years ago as a pilot in south Belize City, the programme was designed to make healthcare a right.

While past initiatives improved access and reduced out-of-pocket costs, some have questioned whether the system can deliver consistent, reliable care across the country.

Hear PM Briceno’s full comments in tonight’s 6 o’clock newscast on News 5 Live.