Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has outlined what he described as a significant transformation in the country’s health system, pointing to expanded insurance coverage, increased benefits for retirees, and the strengthening of specialist medical services as central pillars of the Government’s social protection agenda.
Speaking at a press conference this week, Dr. Drew confirmed that civil servants and Government Auxiliary Employees (GAEs) now benefit from lifelong health insurance coverage, a first in the Federation’s history. Previously, coverage ended at age 75, often at the stage when individuals required medical care most.
“For the first time, retirees now have lifelong coverage,” the Prime Minister said, noting that health insurance no longer expires with age but continues for the duration of a beneficiary’s life.
In addition to the extension of coverage, the maximum benefit available to retirees has been increased from $100,000 to $500,000, while maintaining Government subsidies and income-based contribution levels. Dr. Drew said the structure ensures that lower-income workers pay the least to retain coverage, reflecting what he described as a system built on solidarity.
“This is about making sure people are protected when they need it most,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the successful implementation of the Children’s Medical Fund, which provides critical financial support for specialised paediatric care. He said the programme has already proven effective in closing gaps for families who previously faced significant barriers to accessing treatment.
With these milestones achieved, Dr. Drew announced that the Government will begin a national conversation this year on the introduction of universal national health insurance. He said extensive studies have already been conducted on costs and models, and the next step is structured public engagement.
“We now take that conversation to the people,” he said. “They must be part of determining where we go next.”
Beyond insurance coverage, the Prime Minister pointed to expanded specialist services within the public health system, including intensive care, urology, oncology, neurology and endocrinology. He said the recruitment of medical professionals from Nigeria and Ghana has strengthened capacity, while scholarship programmes and specialised training pathways are being used to build local expertise.
Dr. Drew stressed that the approach is not reactive but planned, aimed at reducing long-term dependence on overseas treatment and ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery.
“Our focus is not only on access,” he said, “but on quality, capacity and continuity of care.”
He described the health reforms as part of a broader vision of social protection, linking healthcare, housing, education and security as interdependent components of national wellbeing.
“As a Government, our responsibility is to ensure that people are protected, supported and able to live with dignity,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr. Drew said the administration remains committed to strengthening the health system further, guided by evidence, public input and long-term sustainability.
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