N.H.I. Symposium: Rethinking Priorities Post-COVID-19

The National Health Insurance started twenty-two years ago and currently covers a population of one hundred and fifty thousand Belizeans. It ensures that public clinics are providing quality and affordable service in the delivery of healthcare. Over the weekend, Belizean medical professionals attended the Sixth National Health Insurance Symposium. The one-day event was used to update the status of non-communicable diseases in Belize over the last three years since COVID-19 became a global public health threat. The symposium was held under the theme, “Rethinking Priorities Post-COVID.” 

Marco Tulio Mendez

Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez, Chairman, NHI

“We know that COVID had a big impact on our nation, on our economy and everybody’s life. But the NHI does emphasize and tries to improve the quality of care especially with non-communicable diseases, the NCDs.”

Narda Garcia

Narda Garcia, C.E.O., Office of the Prime Minister

“The symposium today is basically to address COVID and post-COVID treatments. The post-COVID effects and how the health professionals are dealing with that, mainly what we call the long COVID – the long-term after effects of COVID. Also they are addressing mental health that also took a toll during COVID and is a priority now for not only the patients, but for health professionals who we know went through a traumatic experience during COVID.”

The Belize’ National Health Insurance, the Belize Medical and Dental Association, the Pan American Health Organization, the World Health Organization, and the Belize Social Security Board organized the symposium.