By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

LEADING physician Dr Duane Sands said yesterday because of the government’s “history with cronyism and victimisation” he finds it hard to believe the Christie administration won’t “cherry pick” who has access to National Health Insurance’s $25m catastrophic fund.

Dr Sands said the fund has to be managed carefully and transparently to ensure there is no perception of “preferential treatment.”

He also said the prospect of having to pay for NHI by those who will not be using the service will not “sit well” with Bahamians.

Last week, NHI Project Manager Dr Delon Brennen said access to the government’s catastrophic fund will not be determined by a committee, but based on objective criteria.

The special fund is expected to be launched with NHI’s primary care phase in April for patients with catastrophic medical problems.

Dr Brennen told The Tribune that “taking the decision out of the hands of people” will eliminate the perception that someone was added to or moved up the list because of “who they know.”

He also said that while signing on to NHI is optional, if the government decides to tax to fund the scheme, “contributions will be mandatory for everyone.”

“The fund will be difficult to manage,” Dr Sands said when contacted for comment. “In terms of how it should be managed I think it should be put for public consideration and see if it is something the public wants because we will be using public funds.

“This government does not have the best track record when it comes to allegations of cronyism and favoritism, so what makes us think this is different?

“Now they are saying if you don’t participate in NHI you still have to pay for it. That will cause push back. Some of the public will have an issue.

“But the question is, if I am already struggling to take care of my family am I willing to make my family struggle even more for this new tax? When your generosity makes it hard to pay for your own rent, pay light bill, pay your school fees, Bahamians become resentful.”

The government initially said NHI’s primary healthcare phase would be introduced in April.

Recently, Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez said a delay in NHI’s roll out was “likely”. However when asked about this, Prime Minister Perry Christie did not want to speak of a timeline, but stressed that his administration was focused on getting it right.

Dr Brennen has since said that the NHI Secretariat is working to implement NHI on schedule.