In a step towards enhancing healthcare access, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda recently met with a delegation of esteemed Professors and Researchers from the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago.

The meeting included senior government officials, such as the Chairman and CEO of the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) and key representatives from the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment.

The primary focus of this engagement was to discuss the national strategy for establishing a National Health Insurance (NHI) system. This initiative aims to transition the existing MBS into a comprehensive, legislated health financing model that promises lifetime healthcare coverage for all residents of Antigua and Barbuda.

During the meeting, Cabinet members learned that the proposed NHI will operate as a mandatory, pooled health financing system, offering a defined package of health services accessible to everyone—regardless of age, income, or pre-existing medical conditions. This initiative is designed to improve the efficiency and equity of healthcare delivery, ultimately promoting sustainable and high-quality care.

Notably, a key finding presented during the discussion indicated that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Antigua and Barbuda currently falls between 69% and 76%, revealing a coverage gap of approximately 24% to 31%.

The anticipated benefits of the NHI system include broader healthcare access within both public and private sectors, enhanced financial protection for families, improved coordination and efficiency of the healthcare system, and alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8, which aims to achieve UHC globally.

Significant progress has been made toward the NHI’s implementation. A National Health Insurance Policy Framework and a Responsibility Matrix have been developed, alongside a completion schedule outlining steps for institutional reforms and stakeholder engagement, which involves the Ministry of Finance and the Mount St. John Medical Centre (MSJMC).

Comparative benchmarks with other OECS countries have been analyzed to assess national readiness.

As part of the next phase, the Cabinet prioritizes several actions, including the enactment of supporting legislation, continued consultations with stakeholders, a national public education campaign, a resident registration process, and the piloting of the system before its full-scale implementation.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring no resident is left behind in the pursuit of universal, high-quality healthcare through the successful rollout of the National Health Insurance initiative. Regular updates on progress will be provided to the Cabinet as the initiative advances.