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Persons have no confidence in local doctors – Radio talk show caller

Residents continue to express no-confidence in the local health care system even as NHI gets set for a January 1, 2016 implementation. Photo: Andre 'Shadow' Dawson/File
Deputy Director of Social Security, Mr Roy E. Barry said NHI will cover certain overseas medical expenses but according to its rate. Photo: bvissb.vg
Deputy Director of Social Security, Mr Roy E. Barry said NHI will cover certain overseas medical expenses but according to its rate. Photo: bvissb.vg
Mrs Norma Benjamin, Manager of Health Benefits and Referrals- NHI Division and Ms Kishma A. Baronville, Manager of Beneficiary and Advisory Services- NHI Division. Photo: bvissb.vg
Mrs Norma Benjamin, Manager of Health Benefits and Referrals- NHI Division and Ms Kishma A. Baronville, Manager of Beneficiary and Advisory Services- NHI Division. Photo: bvissb.vg
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – In another programme reaching out to the general public with information and fielding questions as it relates to the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme set to get in full swing come January 1, 2016, the NHI team was told that persons are not comfortable with seeing local doctors due to confidentiality issues, which is why they would prefer to seek medical assistance outside of the territory.

The team was also told that persons felt NHI was been forced down their throats and that the public is still craving certain important information about the scheme.

This came to the fore once again last night, August 20, 2015 on the radio talk Umoja on ZBVI 780AM with host Cromwell Smith aka Edju En Ka. The featured guests were Deputy Director of Social Security Mr Roy E. Barry, Manager of Beneficiary and Advisory Services of NHI Division, Ms Kishma A. Baronville and Manager of Health Benefits and Referrals of NHI, Ms Norma Benjamin.

“We are in a small community and things that should be confidential are often not confidential,” said a female caller to the programme.

She further expressed the view that NHI needs to bear in mind that there are many persons living and working in the territory who already have established comfortable relationships with doctors overseas who know and have a history with them as patients.

“You are now forcing them to go and have relationship with somebody else. The reason why they went away (is) because they don’t feel comfortable and if it is that they [NHI] don’t want to pay the full price then they need to consider and at least pay a percentage of what persons have to pay to the doctors overseas and not to tell them they have to take the services here,” added the caller.

She questioned the ability of the current team of doctors to absorb the health care needs of the people of the VI. “I mean seriously, did they consider all of these factors before telling people what it is that they are going to do?”

Responding to the caller’s expressed concerns, Mr Barry said some of the things that can be done is that individuals can submit a claim once they have returned to the territory and NHI will refund according to its customary rate.

The caller expressed that there are some things that are not being explained properly to the targeted NHI contributors as she said, “Well I think you need to explain…. Because like her (a previous caller) and myself I don’t feel comfortable with the doctors here and now being forced into a situation where I have to go to the doctors here.”

She also said she thinks it’s a very unfortunate situation that persons are now being forced to pay for something that they are not comfortable with.

“I think that it is a very unfortunate event because we are now being forced to pay for something that you really don’t feel comfortable with and we don’t have the information to make informed decisions because you are not giving information out to the public.”

The team said it is continuing diligently with efforts to have all the information necessary out to the public in a timely manner, considering all the improvements being made.

50 Responses to “Persons have no confidence in local doctors – Radio talk show caller”

  • ccc (21/08/2015, 10:09) Like (88) Dislike (15) Reply
    Tex dat ayo voted for ndp
    • Hmph (21/08/2015, 12:10) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      What it is with these people that have a made up African sounding names and call themselves "social commentators" - are they ashamed of the name their parents ave them? It is a bit of a nonsense because nobdy knows them by the made up name and they always have to be referred to by their real name followed by "aka [silly made up name]".
      It is difficult enough to take commentaries seriously because they are usually such nonsense, and the made by silly name is just the icing on the cake. How many votes did Natalio get in the election? Less than the number of commentaries he issues each year!
    • TAPIN (21/08/2015, 13:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      ccc hush your foolish mouth you getting it too always wid da voting talk
  • Hmm (21/08/2015, 10:54) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    Stop complaining you knew this long time and if you didn't want it you would have voted them out it have worst to come and that is no joke the first blow was the closing of this resort on vg don't close your eyes keep them open and see what's next only who are in christ will stand because our source is God not the ndp
    • please (21/08/2015, 17:00) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      NHI was coming whether VIP or NDP. Do some research and you will see that Minister Dancia Penn under VIP did the ground work for this same NHI.;
  • Music (21/08/2015, 11:08) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    Its a pity the public is so ill informed. What do they mean by local doctors? Do they mean BVIslanders or doctors practising here?
    The introduction of NHI will make no difference to your preferred health care arrangements. You will still have the choice of going off island,albeit that you dont yet know whether the government will contribute towards the cost. In the UK you have to pay into the National Health Service and you get free treatment. You can also choose to pay for private, faster, treatment. I am sure than when it was introduced in the 1940s people had the same concerns.
    Of more concern are the as yet unannounced details. If contributions are 3.75% of salary, how on earth came a contributo pay their unemployed spouses contributio? What is 3.75% of ZERO? How do people of pensionable age get treatment, especially if they have no pension? Are people on pensions expected to pay? If so, how and who will collect and pay it?
    So many unanswered questions, and it is nearly, allegedly, upon us.
    • vip (21/08/2015, 12:41) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      3 doctors on team NDP and not one peep from any of them....Them leaving poor lil Roy to take all the heat and if things go good then they will claim all the fame and glory.
    • Questions, no Answers (21/08/2015, 14:32) Like (46) Dislike (0) Reply
      Currently, I have health insurance and my son who is in US college is on my health insurance because the college insurance is too expensive. The US health practitioners and dentists take the insurance after they called and verified that services are covered. How would NHI cover health insurance for my college age son? By me paying another 3.75% out of my check? I need an answer to that please.
  • Wow! (21/08/2015, 11:53) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is dicatorship!
    • Simple as ABC (21/08/2015, 12:29) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
      If you don`t need to see a local doctor for whatever reason/s prepare to pay more out of pocket and see a doctor of your choice. No one is stopping you, I have one local and one over-seas doctor, depends on how I am feeling, I would be seeing one or the next...simple as ABC, simple as that.
  • Positions=personality (21/08/2015, 12:19) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    These women around here very thin skin, insensitive and stubborn. Why are we putting them in these critical positions
  • Concern 1 (21/08/2015, 12:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is nothing new it happens all over especially those who could afford to travel for medicare bUT to think of it we must all remember health and education are very expensive and be ignorant of them you sure pay the penalty that may result to death or being a dummy. Just how shops and stores have discounts or specials the same can be done at hospitals.For example,when one donates blood One gets a discount on ex-ray,scan,operations,etc.Even 10% it goes a long way.
  • I`m on board now (21/08/2015, 12:23) Like (1) Dislike (21) Reply
    I had my doubts about NHI, I thought it would have been controlled by the board. Now its control by social Security I am excited, its wonderful, Social security will make it work. They have good leadership there.
    • Boo (22/08/2015, 08:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please take the spliff out of your mouth and sober up before you type. You are obviously high
  • tretretrete (21/08/2015, 12:24) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply

    I disagree....Dr. Yee-Sing and the other Jamaican lady that works in Eureka/Medicure....I can't say the same for the other doctors in the aforementioned medical organisation who I felt were not there to treat me so much as milk the insurance money = D in**** man upstairs in particular!

  • political snitch (21/08/2015, 12:39) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Where is the minister for the subject???
  • is this including 3 ndp doctors? (21/08/2015, 12:43) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is the same system as Cuba except we have to pay.
    • No (21/08/2015, 14:47) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      No. it's the same syatem as the UK - and you have to pay a share for the common good. The rich will subsidise the poor and infirm and the average man will pay for himself. What is wrong with that?
      • Uk has good doctors (22/08/2015, 08:03) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        As oppose to the BVI the UK has great doctors, who actually check to see if something is wrong. I've been to several doctors here in the BVI and they all told me that I was fine. I then went to PR and was told I need surgery, went to Atlanta and was told I needed surgery then went to Miami and had EMERGENCY surgery as the condition had worsened. Imagine if I had to depend on NHI they would have said that the local doctors say I'm fine and I would've been dead by now.
  • Great IDea! (21/08/2015, 12:48) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    All we are asking for is for a CHOICE! The option to choose NHI or private insurance.
  • wize up (21/08/2015, 12:54) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    my concern; government takes very long to pay bills and my health care provider is a private clinic: I can see where my private provider will ask me to pay out of pocket and then submit my claims to NHI...I have health insurance for the past 10 years NOW this NDP regime is dictating I MUST use NHI( I already have my health care providers) I personally think the NHI should be optional; but is not a bad idea....this system is simply to generate revenue for the government
  • Guest (21/08/2015, 13:30) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I don't think the NHI will prohibit anyone from seeing a doctor overseas. If ever NHI will not cover for it, then you still have a choice to continue to see an overseas doctor if you can afford it. In the BVI where most people woul;d rather let the government pay for everything, NHI should not be a choice. Otherwise, people would continue to come in and out of the hospital feeling entitled that they should get free healthcare. When the hospital go after them to pay, they make a lot of excuses or get upset.
    • chad (21/08/2015, 15:10) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @guest....what you talking about if you cant afford both the NHI and private insurance then of course they preventing you from going overseas. If you had private insurance only then you will have more choices, with NHI the option are more limited.
  • well saw (21/08/2015, 13:31) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    The whole long and short is that the BVI cannot afford a 100million dollar hospital but instead of the burden been on the treasury it will be put on the middle and higher class.
    • wize up (21/08/2015, 14:59) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ well saw; I know the small man in this territory will be burdened with this NHI; those so called rich-folks only uses BVI as a tax shelter
  • honest (21/08/2015, 13:41) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Barry knows that he is not telling the full facts of theNHI.whether he does not fully understand himself or he is playing politics. To add he has the heart to bash Virginlanders.which country sets up a national insurance for everyone whether you are a national or not.how much training did his team have in health insurance including himself? What is a regular doctor,s visit fee here in the Virginislands? Who determined the twenty or forty percent from a person,s pocket for overseas service? We keep bugging up Peebles, tell us what else we have in that hospital besides a good looking building . Where are the specialist doctors? Where is the minister to explain? Let me tell you Barry in any democracy the people decides. Tell us if we are heading for communism.
    • voter (22/08/2015, 08:22) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      poor guy isn't too bright or even qualified for the job. He was put there as payback for loyalty to the director so that he could retire with a big fat pension. Poor BVI always celebrating mediocrity and incompetence
  • GuabaVerry (21/08/2015, 14:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    NON A TALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL........ I dont trusth those guys, they really dont look like they have any experience.

  • west (21/08/2015, 14:47) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    That retired nurse is to dam nosy she still looks news on ABC if they are sick in the hospital her friends are still there to give her info on persons so people have all rights to don't want to go to the hospital . Dr Smith thinks she is God send but he don't know better.
  • No (21/08/2015, 14:50) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    You will have a choice. Either just have NHI by salary deduction (like everyone else) or pay for additional Private healthcare. For the greater good! It's how welfare and other positive elements are paid for!
  • cay (21/08/2015, 14:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Barry got yo go he is very unprofessional
  • My thing is (21/08/2015, 15:06) Like (3) Dislike (43) Reply
    People we have to try and strengthen our health care system....we are a growing community and cannot expect to be at a stand still..next thing you hear "oh peebles ain't no good hospital" so and so, every hospital WORLDWIDE has it's mishaps every last one!! i've heard of people saying their family member passed away in PR or the same MIA from waiting to see a doctor....however those stories go unheard, we only hear peebles ain't no good, i really don't get people sah, anywhere you go in the WORLD HEALTH CARE IS EXPENSIVE!!
    • @My thing is (21/08/2015, 17:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      The reason persons went to those places in the first place is because BVI doesn't have the expertise. The Government was building the hospital for 10yrs so they had more than enough time to get the correct medical personel in place so then we wouldn't mind so much but Now we the people have to pay for this poorly managed initiative where a lot of elected ministers got fat from. Case closed.
  • Zak (21/08/2015, 15:54) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Please hurry and carry up minimum wage.look suffering for poor people
    • voter (22/08/2015, 08:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      NHI and increased minimum wage will be the death nail in the coffin of small business. Imagine the small business with two or three employees. Where will the money come from?
  • john public (21/08/2015, 16:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are more questions than answers.
  • well saw (21/08/2015, 17:26) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    With NHI look dictatorship at its best. Who can stop these guys with an 11 to 2 majority. We really give ourselves this when we put back the NDP. It isn't like Fraser & Fahie wasn't warning us but we all will sink with this one because the know it ALL Minister of Health Ronnie isn't listening to no one. What a dictator.
  • for real (21/08/2015, 17:28) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    People in the BVI have grown too accustomed to the welfare state of living where they sit back and place their many demands on the government, whether they can afford it or not. It is quite obvious that some of them don't want to pay for anything at all in this country. At present, there might be more questions than answers about the operation of the NHI; but just like how the Social Security scheme was met with great opposition and today is a great success, in years to come the results of the NHI will be seen.
  • People (21/08/2015, 17:35) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Barry, the Minister & this whole NHI gang think that we the people are a bunch of donkies. So many half truths and half baked answers they keep giving the public. They saying we can keep our private insurance.Well Iif NHI is mandatory then most businesses and persons cannot afford both which means there will be a significant exodus of persons and businesses from the private insurance. This means that due to the low number that would have private insurance the cost to provide it to the public will invrease significantly. End result, only NHI will win that battle. This is well intended but poorly implemented for the size of our population. I assure all that within 3 to 5 yrs this NHI will bankrupt the BVI. Remember I send this.
    • I agree (22/08/2015, 07:05) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree with your comments. A lot of half truths. The BVI's working population cannot sustain the NHI. The main purpose of the NHI is to cover the yearly cost to run the hospital. This Insurance is severely inadequate in coverage and in comparison to what coverage there is out there. Roy had had indicated that it would be on par with coverage of the insurance companies. That was a lie. How can this government implement a law where if a spouse is not working the other spouse has to be their NHI. That would mean that spouse monies would be taxed at least 10.75%(3.75 +7) in addition to paying all house hold expense. How can this be Justified. In addition, pensions are being taxed by NHI. All in an effort to make sure the hospital bills are paid and not truly looking out for the people of the BVI.

      I am not against NHI, but I am against the way it is being implemented. If this Government, truly cared about all person being insured and not putting another financial burden on persons, They would have made it mandatory to have insurance, but not mandatory for it to be NHI. Persons would be able to keep what insurance they have or choose NHI.

      Yes, I know we can have a second insurance, but at what cost; some persons cannot afford to pay for an additional insurance.

      The NHI people have not indicated who the overseas providers are, what agreement for an air ambulance is in place. These are very important factors in having an insurance an a major component between Life and death. I can foresee a lot of lawsuits in the future because of the NHI being mandatory and not being able to access proper health care.
  • chad (21/08/2015, 18:22) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    We don't have a cutting edge medical system therefore we must make it possible for the ordinary citizens to seek medical help elsewhere . Only the rich will survive this one
  • insider (21/08/2015, 20:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is rather sad to learn that the people is uncomfortable with the confidentiality of the doctors. They must have pick this up from the head honcho, bull-kin pig in charge. They blabber their mouth and that is pretty much 5 days a week 8 hours a day.
  • islander (21/08/2015, 20:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the schedule of benefits. Why we must pay for something with 50 percent less coverage than your current coverage. This will be a failed project for the government it will not work.
  • question (22/08/2015, 06:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the manual to educate the people on theNHI? How much any from the higher or lower echelon pay yearly? Is this tax to pay for the hospital for which ten years was taken for it to be built? Will the ministers be paying 10 percent from their income just like the rest of us? Will the team be paid from the NHI also? Tell us if this is just a money maker. The population is small. Where is the back up plan ? We the people need to have these questions answered and more. Right now we are at an economic low. Why saddle the people of the territory at this time? Are we going to pay for expats who have not worked a day in this territory? Please give us answers.
  • Forbidden Truth (22/08/2015, 06:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seize the time. Life is real.
  • wages (22/08/2015, 09:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well, one big problem is that the BVIHSA does not pay very well. It's wages are at least 50% or more less than what a similarly qualified person could get in the USVI. So, ask yourself, who would agree to such wages. Seems to me mostly people without US working visas who need to get a few years of experience to qualify to take the board exams and then move on. So, a revolving door of personnel is created, rather that the continuity necessary for providers to get to know their clients and for clients to get to trust their providers. You get what you pay for is the apt aphorism.
  • Real (22/08/2015, 10:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If a disaster should strike the BVI what use will the NHI be. God forbid that happens. If an epidemic breaks out what happens? Some of those people who are trying to muscle us, have dual citizenship. If they get sick they can run to the USVirgin Islands, Puerto Rico or USA with their Medicaid or Medicare status. Who knows if some of them. Do not have the insurance under Obama Care. Get this thing right and stop tampering with people's health and life. Can they stand a lawsuit for wrongful death or wrong diagnosis?
  • Cannot afford it (22/08/2015, 16:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am 68years old I am given $328.00 every month from social security when I finish buying my m
    I
    Finish buying my meds not much is left. Do I have to pay h

    NHI on that?
    • Lily Ann (23/08/2015, 13:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You can go an demand your lumps from Social Security ... it's YOUR Money ... go and demand it !!! They can lend millions to Govt, but hauling and scraping by to pay citizens .... hmmmm I will never understand our authority !!!


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