Bahamas
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The Bahamas, also known for its sun, sand, and sea, is comprised of 700 islands and cays, sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago is an ecological oasis, boasting the clearest water on the planet. The Bahamas were to was inhabited by the Lucayans, a branch of the Arawakan- speaking Taino people for many centuries. Christopher Columbus was one of many European explorers to see the islands in 1492.
In 1718, the Bahamas became a British crown colony. Slavery in the Bahamas was then abolished in 1834. Subsequently the Bahamas became a haven for freed African slaves. The Bahamas later gained its independence in 1973 led by Sir Lynden O. Pindling, with Elizabeth II as its queen. Current population: estimated at 398, 823 Capital: New Providence Island |
Health system in The Bahamas
Free Health Care: Basic Bahamian health care is free for expectant mothers, children, civil servants and all people age 60 and over.
NHI Bahamas: In January 2016, the government began a new national health insurance program called NHI Bahamas, with an objective to make it “modern, affordable and accessible.” The government created this in response to a high percentage of over 50% of the Bahamian population not having health insurance. As a result of this, the average person was paying about $2,300 each year for health services. Its purpose is to facilitate people-centred health care that meets the needs of the population; provide plurality in the health care system with equal opportunity for public and private-sector participation;
Enrollment for the new program began in 2017. NHI Program Coverage Limitations: The NHI program does have some limitations. For example, it does not cover overseas care, pharmacy services or other services provided by specialists. This includes dental health or psychotherapy.
Full Health Care Benefits: All legal residents of The Bahamas are eligible to receive full health care benefits. There are no limitations based on economic or health status.
Bahamian Private Health Insurance Costs: The exact cost for Bahamian health care, beyond the basic level, can vary significantly. A basic inpatient plan for one person can be as low as $54 a month. Meanwhile, the plan with the most benefits can be as expensive as $1,092 a month. The price may also vary with the inclusion of dental plans or maternal care during pregnancy.
Hospitals: There are two government hospitals in The Bahamas: The Princess Margaret Hospital, Grand Bahama Health Service and one Major Mental Health Institution- the Sandilands Rehabilitation Center which includes the Geriatric Hospital. The Public Hospitals Authority, one of the highest quality health care systems in the Caribbean area, runs them. Further, two private hospitals, JCI-accredited Doctor’s Hospital and the Lyford Cay are also in The Bahamas. Additionally, there are 55 health centers, 59 satellite clinics and 288 privately-owned institutions across the islands.
Occupational Therapy in The Bahamas
A health profession promoting health and well being through occupation. The use of assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities or occupations of individuals, groups or communities. There are currently 10 registered OTs working on the island, 6 National association members, and 2 ACOT members.
Free Health Care: Basic Bahamian health care is free for expectant mothers, children, civil servants and all people age 60 and over.
NHI Bahamas: In January 2016, the government began a new national health insurance program called NHI Bahamas, with an objective to make it “modern, affordable and accessible.” The government created this in response to a high percentage of over 50% of the Bahamian population not having health insurance. As a result of this, the average person was paying about $2,300 each year for health services. Its purpose is to facilitate people-centred health care that meets the needs of the population; provide plurality in the health care system with equal opportunity for public and private-sector participation;
Enrollment for the new program began in 2017. NHI Program Coverage Limitations: The NHI program does have some limitations. For example, it does not cover overseas care, pharmacy services or other services provided by specialists. This includes dental health or psychotherapy.
Full Health Care Benefits: All legal residents of The Bahamas are eligible to receive full health care benefits. There are no limitations based on economic or health status.
Bahamian Private Health Insurance Costs: The exact cost for Bahamian health care, beyond the basic level, can vary significantly. A basic inpatient plan for one person can be as low as $54 a month. Meanwhile, the plan with the most benefits can be as expensive as $1,092 a month. The price may also vary with the inclusion of dental plans or maternal care during pregnancy.
Hospitals: There are two government hospitals in The Bahamas: The Princess Margaret Hospital, Grand Bahama Health Service and one Major Mental Health Institution- the Sandilands Rehabilitation Center which includes the Geriatric Hospital. The Public Hospitals Authority, one of the highest quality health care systems in the Caribbean area, runs them. Further, two private hospitals, JCI-accredited Doctor’s Hospital and the Lyford Cay are also in The Bahamas. Additionally, there are 55 health centers, 59 satellite clinics and 288 privately-owned institutions across the islands.
Occupational Therapy in The Bahamas
A health profession promoting health and well being through occupation. The use of assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities or occupations of individuals, groups or communities. There are currently 10 registered OTs working on the island, 6 National association members, and 2 ACOT members.
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Country Representative
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Phillippa L.T. Rolle
E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: Occupational Therapy Association of the Bahamas-OTAB |
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