NASSAU, BAHAMAS: The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) says its provider network remains stable and fully capable of serving more than 160,000 registered beneficiaries, pushing back against recent public commentary suggesting concerns about access to care and provider participation.
In a statement on Sunday, the Authority said its nationwide network includes 140 registered healthcare providers and 17 laboratories, adding that it continues to monitor and strengthen capacity to ensure uninterrupted access to primary healthcare services across the archipelago.
NHIA said it has not received any provider withdrawal requests citing payment issues, warning that unverified claims about providers or facilities leaving the program create unnecessary public concern and undermine confidence in the national health insurance system.
“There is no instability in the NHIA provider network and access to care for Bahamians continues without interruption,” said Managing Director and CEO Christy Butler. “Our focus remains on facts, continuity of care, and strengthening access to quality healthcare for every beneficiary across The Bahamas.”
The Authority also said interest in joining the program remains strong, with existing providers seeking to expand services and new healthcare facilities and laboratories applying to join the network.
According to NHIA, more than 90 percent of physicians who have left the program have either moved to another NHIA-affiliated facility or opened independent practices before reapplying to participate.
The Authority said its patient-centred financing model is designed to expand access to care, acknowledging that while the model may not suit every medical practice, it has measures in place to maintain continuity of services whenever providers leave the network or contracts are not renewed.
NHIA encouraged beneficiaries experiencing difficulties accessing services to contact the Authority directly for assistance, reaffirming that improving access to quality healthcare remains at the core of its mandate.
