Minister Outlines Health System Advancements
“I rise today to highlight the strides the Ministry of Health has made ‘Building a Better and Fairer Health System,” Minister of Health Kim Wilson said in the House of Assembly on Friday.
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the strides the Ministry of Health has made “Building a Better and Fairer Health System”. Our commitment to health promotion, prevention, and ensuring access to quality healthcare has been the cornerstone of our efforts, and I am proud of the results we have achieved together.
Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health always advocates for Health People in Healthy Communities because we firmly believe that a healthier Bermuda begins with empowering individuals and communities to embrace wellness as a way of life.
Our Grow! Eat! $ave! initiative, spearheaded by Nutrition Services, exemplifies this philosophy. By teaching sustainable gardening practices and nutritional knowledge, we encourage healthier eating habits and foster a sense of community and self-sufficiency. Through collaborations with various ministries and community partners, this program has grown significantly and is quite successful, touching the lives of hundreds of participants and creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Furthermore, our annual Bermuda Parish Garden Competition, themed “Let’s Grow Together,” is another popular initiative that has proven successful. It celebrates the joy and rewards of gardening while addressing food insecurity and promoting active living. By making healthy food more accessible and affordable, we are nurturing a healthier population from the ground up.
Mr Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of prevention in safeguarding public health. It reminded us that a united front and proactive measures are essential to avoid hospitalization and health crises. Building upon this lesson, we have made significant investments in preventive healthcare.
Our collaborative development of Integrated Care Pathways (ICPs) is a testament to our commitment to a patient-centred and proactive approach. These pathways map the entire patient journey, ensuring that prevention and wellness are integrated at every touchpoint. By identifying potential risks and intervening early, we can prevent diseases from progressing and improve health outcomes for all.
To date, Mr Speaker, we have successfully implemented ICPs for breast cancer, prostate cancer, end-of-life care, the first 1,000 days of life, chronic kidney disease, and acute adult mental health. Our ambitious plans include expanding these pathways to encompass diabetes, metabolic diseases, respiratory illnesses, post-acute care, and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions represent some of the most significant health challenges facing our community today. By broadening our focus to include these critical areas, we aim to improve quality of life while paving the way for a healthier Bermuda.
Mr Speaker, we firmly believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every resident of Bermuda. To this end, we have taken decisive action to remove financial barriers and ensure that essential treatments and medications are within reach for everyone.
By introducing a national drug formulary, we effectively set maximum prices for common medications, reducing costs for consumers and promoting affordability. Additionally, the maternity benefit for uninsured and under-insured women ensures that all expectant mothers receive the care and support they need for a healthy pregnancy and delivery, regardless of their insurance status.
We have also improved the Health Insurance Plan (HIP) and FutureCare, increasing prescription drug benefits and introducing local radiation therapy coverage. These improvements provide crucial financial protection and peace of mind to our most vulnerable populations.
Mr Speaker, our commitment to prevention extends to specific health challenges that disproportionately affect our community. Recognizing the devastating impact of hypertension, we have adopted the standardized HEARTS protocol, a simple yet effective approach to blood pressure management. Our pilot program has demonstrated remarkable success, with a significant increase in the number of clients achieving controlled blood pressure.
Mr Speaker, our vision for a healthier Bermuda is one where every resident has access to the healthcare services they need, without facing financial hardship. To achieve this, we have embarked on a comprehensive journey towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
We have established a UHC Steering Committee comprising diverse stakeholders, including patients, doctors, policymakers, and insurers, to guide our efforts. A high-level review and roadmap have been developed and published, outlining the steps needed to strengthen our health system and achieve UHC.
Mr Speaker, the release of the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027 is a significant milestone in our UHC journey. This comprehensive plan aims to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all, regardless of their financial circumstances.
To ensure that our healthcare system is responsive to the needs of our community, we have established Bermuda’s first Clinical Senate, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer. This forum provides a platform for clinical professionals to share their frontline perspectives and contribute to system improvements.
We have also conducted a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment to gain a deeper understanding of our population’s health needs and identify areas for improvement within our healthcare system.
Mr Speaker, in our pursuit of a more efficient and accessible healthcare system, we have launched the National Digital Health Strategy. This strategy outlines a roadmap for leveraging technology to enhance healthcare delivery, making services more convenient and patient-centred.
We are actively working on a blueprint for a more digital and tech-friendly healthcare system, following the recommendations of the National Digital Health Strategy. This includes modelling current and future healthcare costs and service usage to anticipate and meet the demands of our aging population.
In closing, Mr Speaker, I am immensely proud of the progress we have made in Building a Better and Fairer Health System. We have laid a strong foundation for a healthier Bermuda, and our achievements in health promotion, prevention, and ensuring access to quality healthcare are a testament to the dedication and collaboration of countless individuals and organizations.
As we look to the future, we will continue to prioritize prevention, expand access to care, and embrace quality healthcare to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Thank you.
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