NHI Marks 25 Years as Coverage Expands into Cayo

Belize is nearing nationwide coverage under the National Health Insurance (NHI) programme, with more than 30,000 people in Cayo already registered and over 93,000 expected to gain access to services.

The Belize Medical and Dental Association (BMDA) opened its 43rd Annual Medical Congress under the theme, “From Detection to Decisive Action: Advancing Integrated Care to Reduce Mortality in Belize.”

This year also marks 25 years of NHI, which began as a pilot project on the south side of Belize City in August 2001. NHI has expanded to cover primary healthcare, essential medicines, diagnostic services, maternal and child healthcare, and chronic disease management.

According to NHI Chair Dr Marco Tulio Mendez, the programme currently has 257,678 registered members. Mendez said the next phase of NHI must focus on quality of care, prevention, early detection and the responsible use of limited financial and human resources.

“The future will bring new challenges, including the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, an ageing population, advances in medical technology, AI in medicine, and the need to ensure that healthcare financing remains sustainable,” Mendez said.

Narda Garcia, Chief Executive Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, said the expansion into Cayo represents the final stage of the programme’s nationwide rollout. “Eventually, Cayo residents will access care through eight primary care providers and seven satellite clinics,” she said.

Garcia said NHI has reduced medication costs for patients with chronic conditions. “A hypertensive and diabetic patient who once paid up to $600 a month for medications can now access that care for under $50,” she said.

Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde said NHI has expanded access to essential healthcare services while reducing the financial burden on families. He noted that out-of-pocket health spending fell from 32% in 2005 to 21.9% in 2020.

“This NHI is a good thing. It’s our thing. Use it. Use it a lot. It’s our money being spent. It’s our lives that matter,” Hyde said.

As NHI approaches nationwide coverage, the event emphasised that expanding access must be matched by improvements in the quality, continuity and sustainability of care.