At the end of 2016, approximately 54 000 sickness claims were paid by the National Insurance Department of Barbados, totaling 24 million dollars.
This information was revealed by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Honourable Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo during the 50th anniversary of the National Insurance Department of Barbados church service, on Whit Sunday at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels yesterday.
Earlier in her remarks, the Minister said the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases today continue to be a concern for all Barbadians, especially those at the National Insurance department. After highlighting statistics for just one year of sickness claims, she added that Barbadians have to continue on the path of prevention and it is our individual responsibility to understand the impact on the National Insurance Department and the number of sickness and disability claims processed yearly, which are affected by non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Byer-Suckoo said the Ministry has began discussions with members of the medical profession through the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners to sensitise the fraternity about prescribing sick leave when other options can be just as effective. She also mentioned the challenges faced by processing the large number of sick leave claims.
“The large number of sick leave claims have also created a backlog with what are now unacceptable delays in processing. This is also being addressed,” said Dr. Byer-Suckoo.
In her introduction, Minister Dr. Byer-Suckoo said that, at this juncture, the focus of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is customer relations, cash flow improvement and improving the way they handle their claims. She acknowledged and thanked the members of her National Insurance Board, management and staff of National Insurance for their efforts who ensure that the system is constantly reviewed and fine tuned to improve service, efficiencies, governance and expenditure. Additionally, she highlighted the role of Barbadians in sustaining the scheme.
“The National Insurance Department belongs to the people of Barbados. The insured population, the ones who pay their contributions regularly to insure that there is not only a platform in which they can stand but in so doing, create a platform for others as well,” said Dr. Byer-Suckoo.
During the service, the NIS choir performed two hymns, God and God Alone and My Sheep know my Voice in the presence of His Excellency, Sir Elliot Belgrave, Sir Richard Cheltenham, Director of NIS, Ian Carrington and others within the social insurance and labour relations community. Chairman of the National Insurance Scheme, Dr. Justin Robinson gave a donation to the church after the choir’s performance.
After Jamaica, Barbados became the second territory in the region to offer its citizens a comprehensive range of social insurance benefits. The scheme was one of the legacies of the Late Right Hon. Errol Walton Barrow which is accessed by Barbadians on a short or long term basis. The development of Barbados’ social security scheme in 1967 had its origins in the late 19th century. This section highlights major timelines in the growth of national social security, from the passing of the Poor Law Relief Act in 1880 to the creation of the Maternity Grant in 1985.