NASSAU — An internal review of the Ministry of Health’s performance for 2017/2018 saw the ministry grade itself the equivalent of a ‘C+’, the Nassau Guardian reported on May 8.
According to the ‘Ministry of Health, End-Of-Year Report Card’, conducted by Dr. Cherita Moxey, of the planning unit, the ministry scored 68.8 percent, an “improvement over its mid-term average of 62.8 percent”.
The review focused on 61 targets categorizes in eight key areas, largely gleaned from Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands’ objectives in his budget communication.
These areas included, fiscal health, efficiencies and sustainability; health data, policy and legislation, technology and communication; health systems strengthening and governance; programs; physical infrastructure; and human resources for health.
Of the 61 targets, six were achieved; 43 were in progress; one was cancelled; and three were stalled.
There was “no progress” on another eight targets.
The report details targets achieved, stalled, cancelled or otherwise.
Among some of the targets in progress are the levying of a sin tax to dis-incentivize unhealthy foods; implementing National Health Insurance (NHI) across The Bahamas and developing a sustainable financing plan for the scheme; and developing a regulatory framework to strengthen importation and surveillance controls of health products, including pharmaceuticals, biologics and narcotics.
