Minister of Health Dr. Perry Gomez said yesterday experts will begin the initial phase of developing a national health insurance plan by April 1.

According to Dr. Gomez, during the initial phase, experts will analyse costing and definitions of the benefits package and methods of payments for the scheme.

He added that the health firm doing the work is from Costa Rica.

When asked why a foreign firm would need to develop this plan for The Bahamas, Dr. Gomez explained that it is a reputable health firm.

He added that this is the same firm which had developed the program for a national health plan for the country 10 years ago and although the bill was passed in parliament, it never came to fruition.

Dr. Gomez said due to the increase cost in healthcare over the years the company is needed again to develop another program based on today’s health cost.

Last month, Dr. Duane Sands called for overall health care reform and for a national health insurance plan which he said is needed.

Dr. Gomez also gave an update on the free eye surgeries that were promised to Bahamians.

Some 200 Bahamians were set to benefit from cataract eye surgeries, courtesy of the Chinese government earlier this month, however it didn’t happen and according to Dr. Gomez this initiative has been postponed to the end of April.

“Because of some issues with getting their equipment in place they had to postpone to another month,” he said.

“So we look forward to them having a successful trip to work along with Bahamian ophthalmologist for these very necessary cataract surgeries.”

He added that the aim is still to do at least 200 cataract surgeries for Bahamians.

A team of Chinese doctors and nurses from the Bright Journey Medical is expected to work side by side with Bahamian professionals.