The government has set a timeline of the first quarter of 2026 for the phased introduction of a National Health Insurance Scheme for Antigua and Barbuda.
The matter has been in discussion for several years, but the initiative to a giant leap forward when the Cabinet on Wednesday welcomed a delegation comprising Professors and Researchers from the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago, along with senior government officials including the Chairman and CEO of the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, the Chairman and Medical Director of the Mount St. John Medical Centre Board, and two representatives from the Legal Department.
Cabinet spokesman, Maurice Merchant explained that the purpose of the engagement was to provide an update on the national strategy to establish a National Health Insurance (NHI) system by transitioning the current MBS into a universal, legislated health financing model that ensures lifetime healthcare coverage for all residents.
“The Cabinet was reminded that the NHI will be a mandatory, pooled health financing system, offering a defined package of health services to all individuals—regardless of age, income, or pre-existing medical conditions. The system is intended to enhance efficiency, equity, and responsiveness while promoting sustainable and high-quality care,” Merchant told reporters on Thursday.
Accordingly, one of the critical findings presented was that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Antigua and Barbuda currently stands between 69% and 76%, indicating a coverage gap of approximately 24% to 31%.
Among the anticipated benefits of implementing the NHI are:
- Broader access to healthcare across both public and private sectors
- Enhanced financial protection for families
- Improved coordination and efficiency within the healthcare system
- A strengthened national framework aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8, which aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage
The Cabinet was informed that significant progress has been made towards implementation. A National Health Insurance Policy Framework and a Responsibility Matrix have been developed. A completion schedule has also been outlined, detailing steps for institutional reforms, stakeholder engagement—including the Ministry of Finance, MBS, and MSJMC—and a phased implementation approach. Additionally, comparative benchmarks with other OECS countries have been analyzed to gauge national readiness.
The following actions were presented as priorities for the next phase:
- Enactment of supporting legislation and continued stakeholder consultations
- A national public education campaign and resident registration process
- A pilot phase, to be followed by full-scale implementation
The team was directed to continue its work and to provide regular progress updates to Cabinet. The Government reaffirmed its strong commitment to achieving universal, high-quality healthcare through the successful implementation of the National Health Insurance—ensuring no resident is left behind.
