NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The National Health Insurance Authority’s 2025 Performance Report is showing increased demand for primary healthcare services across The Bahamas, with more beneficiaries accessing preventive care, routine screenings and chronic disease management.
The report shows that NHI recorded 121,107 primary care visits in 2025, including 27,218 annual physicals and 10,603 chronic care visits, reflecting growing use of primary care services and a stronger focus on early detection, routine monitoring and managing chronic conditions.
“Preventive care is the foundation of a healthier population,” said Dr. Tonette Hanna, Family Medicine Specialist and Medical Director of NHI Bahamas. “The steady increase in primary care visits and chronic disease monitoring shows that more Bahamians are taking control of their health. Through our annual physical campaign, we are reinforcing the importance of early detection and routine screening in reducing the burden of chronic illnesses.”
The programme served more than 163,000 beneficiaries across nine islands in 2025 through a network of 130 physicians and 82 healthcare facilities, highlighting NHI’s expanding national reach.
NHI also recorded growth in key services, including a 42 percent increase in maternity care visits and a 6.6 percent increase in pediatric care visits, while nearly 700 telehealth visits were completed during the year to help bridge access gaps for Family Island residents.
The report shows that chronic non-communicable diseases continue to be major drivers of healthcare demand, with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity among the leading conditions managed through the programme.
NHI data revealed that 90 percent of cardiovascular cases were associated with hypertension, while Type II diabetes accounted for the majority of diabetes cases reported through the programme.
The findings also highlight the role of annual physicals in identifying risk factors and diagnosing conditions earlier, helping patients receive treatment sooner and reducing avoidable complications.
So far in 2026, NHI has completed more than 24,000 annual physicals, reaching nearly 70 percent of its annual target, and more than 38,000 doctor visits, representing more than 50 percent of the target for the year.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Michael Darville, said the report reflects the continued impact of NHI on the national healthcare system.
“National Health Insurance is transforming healthcare in The Bahamas and advancing our commitment to universal health coverage,” said Darville. “As one of the few countries in the region with a national health insurance programme, we are expanding access to quality primary care while using data and electronic health records to improve patient outcomes and strengthen our healthcare system.”
NHI Bahamas continues to encourage beneficiaries to schedule annual physicals and take advantage of preventive services available through approved providers nationwide.
