The National Health Insurance (NHI) Division of the Social Security Board has partnered with Baptist Health International of Florida to strengthen its overseas network to enable seamless and affordable transfer of patients for medical care.

This partnership comes as Government continues to provide opportunities for specialised care for residents.

Deputy Director of the Social Security Board with the responsibility for NHI, Mr. Roy Barry said that this partnership will give the people of the Territory another quality- care option in case of emergencies, and access to specialty services that are currently unavailable in the BVI. 

Mr. Barry said as part of this Agreement, BVI patients will receive priority treatment and accommodations at facilities operated by Baptist Health International.

He added, “The NHI team has visited Baptist Health and other healthcare institutions with the goal of building a robust NHI overseas referral network.  We were looking for facilities with quality care guidelines, a high level of professionalism, effective management and specialist services.”

Barry further stated that Baptist Health International ranks high among other healthcare facilities and therefore a conscious decision was made to partner with them. He added that Baptist has already offered tremendous savings, with as much as 60% reductions in some areas.

Minister Skelton expressed his appreciation for the beneficial relationship forged with Baptist Health, and highlighted the importance of the recently signed Agreement with the NHI Division.  

“Being a small Territory we are limited in our options for specialised care, and we recognise the need to establish a wide network of reputable hospitals where we can send our patients when the need arises,”   Minister Skelton said.

The Agreement with Baptist Health International becomes effective on June 23, 2015.

The National Health Insurance seeks to provide health security for a lifetime as Government forges a healthier Virgin Islands