It is imperative as a country we pursue a health system that promotes universal access to quality health care. With the high incidence and prevalence of non-communicating diseases and the presence of COVID19 in Belize, a strong primary health care system becomes the backbone of quality health care. The National Health Insurance which began 20 years ago has slowly continued to expand its services aiming to provide equity access to quality primary healthcare regardless of financial status, specific needs, risks, and vulnerabilities with respect to gender, culture, diversity, and special condition. As the expansion of this scheme continues, the impact of benefits will be perceived exponential because health is a condition of  interdependence and requires collective access to its achievement. Access to health services, better income, higher education, safe water and greater family and community support are determinants intertwined to good health. As improvement in these determinants are achieved, people’s health, well-being, and quality of life will progress. Investment in quality health is ensuring a better economy, a higher productivity at work, a better education, and the general well-being of the population.

Presently a population of approximate 110,000 people are enrolled in the NHI program with many on the waiting list. As we continue determined to provide full coverage it is important that efficiency, efficacy, accessibility, quality, and sustainability of the program be the vision. Existing NHI coverage has increase    access to improved quality of care, has caused reduction of out of the pocket expenses and enhanced key health indicators. The mix-model of care provided in Belize city, where private, NGOs and public health providers participate has shown to be the most efficient and effective in health delivery services. Thus, this will be the architype implemented nationwide. With the firm conviction that health is a basic human right and commitment of “universal health coverage” the Government of  Belize is resolute in ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Amid the current economic status and the disruption cause by COVID 19,  sustainability of an NHI nationwide program is a challenge we will need to overcome. A lag in its extension to the rest of the country generates inequities between members and non-members and lead to duplicities which counters the trend towards better allocation of resources. Thus, in the coming months special attention and careful planning will focus on areas of budgetary opportunity and fiscal space sources to ensure national rollout coverage and reduce equity gaps in health. National Health Insurance the solution for universal health coverage.