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NHI won’t cover ‘Bush Medicines’ – Hon Ronnie W. Skelton

-at least not without scientific evidence proving them safe & effective
Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton said there is currently no coverage under the National Health Insurance (NHI) for ‘bush medicines’ even though he acknowledges their use among the people of the Virgin Islands, admitting that he himself uses them. It was during the Eighth Sitting of the Third Session of the Second House of Assembly that Representative of the Third District Hon Julian Fraser RA asked a question on behalf of the Representative of the First District Honourable Andrew A. Fahie on Thursday August 14, 2014. Photo: VINO/File/Provided
“Madam Speaker the NHI benefit package does not make provision for natural medicines at this time. However where there is scientific evidence of effectiveness and safety of alternative treatments, consideration will be given to the establishment of criteria and standards to recognize those natural based medicines and services by qualified neuropathic doctors for inclusion in benefits packages on a case by case basis,” said the Minister. Photo: Internet source
“Madam Speaker the NHI benefit package does not make provision for natural medicines at this time. However where there is scientific evidence of effectiveness and safety of alternative treatments, consideration will be given to the establishment of criteria and standards to recognize those natural based medicines and services by qualified neuropathic doctors for inclusion in benefits packages on a case by case basis,” said the Minister. Photo: Internet source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton said there is currently no coverage under the National Health Insurance (NHI) for ‘bush medicines’ even though he acknowledges their use among the people of the Virgin Islands, admitting that he himself uses them.

It was during the Eighth Sitting of the Third Session of the Second House of Assembly that Representative of the Third District Hon Julian Fraser RA asked a question on behalf of the Representative of the First District Honourable Andrew A. Fahie on Thursday August 14, 2014.

“In recognition of natural medicines could the Minister for Health and Social Development please inform this Honourable House if the National Health Insurance will develop criteria and standards that will recognize and address issues such as natural medicines and services provided by naturalists? And if not, why not?” asked Hon Fraser.

In response, Minister Skelton said that the NHI is designed to provide sustainable health finances to ensure that everyone in the public and private sectors have health care when they need it.

However he said that the benefits package under the NHI is for services that are backed up by scientific evidence and feasibility studies. He said that the bush medicines are not yet considered so supported.

“Madam Speaker the NHI benefit package does not make provision for natural medicines at this time. However where there is scientific evidence of effectiveness and safety of alternative treatments, consideration will be given to the establishment of criteria and standards to recognize those natural based medicines and services by qualified neuropathic doctors for inclusion in benefits packages on a case by case basis,” said the Minister.

However when pressed by Hon Fraser as to whether those studies are necessary since people in the Far East have been using these alternative medicines for years, Hon Skelton responded, “Madam Speaker I must tell the Hon member I do drink ‘bush’ to help me with my cold and flu but that’s not the real reason for having the health system basically administer this kind of thing without proper scientific research, that would not be the right thing to do.” 

12 Responses to “NHI won’t cover ‘Bush Medicines’ – Hon Ronnie W. Skelton”

  • the bush doctor (23/08/2014, 09:20) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    We got "ganga", "neem bush" and "moringa bush" growing here in abondunce.. so we safe.
  • cay (23/08/2014, 10:15) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    why the hell we cannt use our natral things we going make the farmersule company richer
    • My $0.02 (23/08/2014, 10:42) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Nobody said you can't use them, you just won't be covered. The best thing about using natural is that you don't have to buy it you can grow your own so you won't need insurance to use it.
  • Friendly (23/08/2014, 12:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon. The Bush is where all these medicines came from. I understand your point becuase who has the backbone to go up against the drug producers. This is the opportunity for the natural medicines to show their true power and prove others wrong.
  • PURPLE PLACE (23/08/2014, 16:12) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    THE JUST WANT MORE $$$$$ FOR WE KNOW WHO
  • revolution (23/08/2014, 19:34) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wont be long before the streets seek justice for the decades of injustice brought against them. May god have mercy on those responsible for the pain and suffering of the honest working man. These political thugs are the nations worst enemy and they will stop at nothing as long as their revenue streams remain uninterrupted. People of the BVI, support your own and not those who cut another man's throat for financial gain.


  • shaw (24/08/2014, 11:36) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    natural medicines should be encouraged none the less because first- they won't kill you if you overdose, and they are preventative, saving money in hospital costs. And if they have worked for hundreds of years, why re-invent the wheel.?
  • Welsa (24/08/2014, 15:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is always about what NHI won't cover. Is there anything positive about NHI that can be highlighted!
  • cay (24/08/2014, 18:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    LORD help. Please let us think before we act and then regret it after awhile. We simple need some good leaders in this country. Our politicians politicizes everything (Both Parties)
  • Dr. do little (24/08/2014, 18:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The leader of the NDP whoever it is this week and in fact many members of the NDP government do not think a lot of things through. They are their own worst enemies.
  • look (25/08/2014, 07:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They better change this so I can get my goods from my Obeah Man!
  • Boo (25/08/2014, 20:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    NHI will probably need to take some bush medicine of its own just like the New Hospital Management that not able


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