🏥 Cayman Islands Cabinet reallocates $8 million for healthcare costs

The Cayman Islands Cabinet has approved changes to the health ministry’s appropriations for this year, redirecting $8 million to cover medical bills for locals. The beneficiaries include overseas patients, the elderly, inadequately insured individuals, and those requiring chronic care and other treatments. The reallocated funds, which are not additional public cash, are intended to address the growing healthcare needs of those unable to afford their medical expenses. 🏥

Of the reallocated funds, CI$3.5 million was taken from the Mosquito Control Services budget, nearly $4 million from policy advice and ministerial services, and $500,000 from unspecified health and wellness assistance. The allocation for Tertiary Care at Various Local and Overseas Institutions, known as line item NGS 55, received over CI$3 million, while $2.5 million was directed to geriatric services. Over $1 million was moved to cover medical care for uninsured individuals or those whose care is not covered by insurance. An additional $1.4 million has been redirected to chronic ailments care and public health programs and treatments. 🏦

The Cayman Islands Government is currently drafting a new National Health Strategy for the next decade. Chief Medical Officer Nick Gent has expressed concerns about health insurance cover and access to care, noting that many people are not receiving necessary medical care and treatment due to being under-insured, uninsured, or unable to afford co-pays or medications. The current private insurance system in the Cayman Islands, which involves around ten private healthcare companies, has been criticized for its inadequacies, despite the significant profits these companies generate. 🚑