Health Care System: Recent Reforms and Current State

Major Reforms in 2025

The Bahamian government is implementing sweeping health care reforms. In July 2025, the Ministry of Health and Wellness introduced a compendium of five bills, including a new National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, a Prescription Drug Fund Bill, and a Health Promotion and Wellness Bill. These reforms aim to modernize the system, expand access to care, and shift the focus from treatment to prevention. The new NHI Bill will replace the 2016 Act, creating a unified legal framework for universal health coverage.¹ 

Key changes include:

• Expansion of the NHI provider network, especially for Family Islands.
• Integration of prescription drug coverage for chronic diseases.
• Increased focus on preventive care and wellness.
• Plans for universal dental coverage in the future.

As of 2025, NHI covers over 161,000 Bahamians, with high patient satisfaction. However, the system faces financial challenges, with a projected $24 million deficit by 2026 due to rising costs and an aging population. About one-third of health costs are still paid out-of-pocket, creating inequities in access, especially for catastrophic and specialized care.² 

Public and Private Health Care

Public health care is delivered through 28 health centers, 33 main clinics, and 35 satellite clinics. The NHI covers primary care, but not pharmacy services, inpatient care, chemotherapy, childbirth, or emergency care for heart attacks and trauma. Most Bahamians lack private insurance, and out-of-pocket costs remain high.³ 

Private health care is popular among expats and those seeking specialized services. Major private hospitals include Doctors Hospital and Lyford Cay Medical Facility, both on New Providence. In 2025, Doctors Hospital is opening a new 25-bed facility in Grand Bahama and planning expansion to Eleuthera.⁴ 

Hospital Infrastructure

A major development in 2025 is the agreement with China to build a new $267 million specialty hospital in New Providence, focused on women and children. The project is expected to be completed in 31–36 months and will feature a neonatal intensive care unit, advanced diagnostics, and teaching facilities.⁵ 

Emergency Services and Disaster Preparedness

Emergency numbers remain 919 and 911. In 2025, the Bahamas has 141 designated hurricane shelters, with enhanced disaster preparedness strategies and region-specific readiness exercises. The Disaster Risk Management Authority coordinates national response, and new aviation emergency-response networks are being rolled out to improve air-ambulance and trauma services across the islands.⁶ 

Health Hazards and Vaccination Requirements

The Bahamas faces several health risks:

• Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and Zika remain present.
• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and heart disease are prevalent, with high rates of obesity and hypertension.
• Water safety and air quality are generally good, but 18% of the population lacks access to safe drinking water.
• Crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport, is a concern for residents and visitors.⁷ 
• Routine vaccinations are required for all travelers, including MMR, DTP, polio, and chickenpox. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies are recommended for certain travelers. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from a country with risk of transmission. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all eligible travelers.⁷ 

Hurricane Impact 

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was active, with Hurricane Melissa (Category 5) impacting the Caribbean and southeastern Bahamas. The Bahamas was spared the worst, but southeastern islands experienced flooding, storm surges, and infrastructure disruptions. Emergency shelters were activated, and the government’s preparedness measures were credited with minimizing casualties and damage.⁸ 

1. “New measures for a healthier Bahamas outlined by the Minister of Health and Wellness,” Bahamas Information Services, July 31, 2025, https://bahamas.gov.bs/news-press-release/new-measures-for-a-healthier-bahamas-outlined-by-the-minister-of-health-and-wellness.
2. “Healthcare on ‘unsustainable track’ with $24m deficit forecast by 2026,” The Tribune, Dec 19, 2025. Accessed December 23, 2025. https://www.tribune242.com/news/2025/dec/19/healthcare-on-unsustainable-track-with-24m-deficit-forecast-by-2026/.
3. “NHI Bahamas – National Health Insurance Authority,” https://www.nhibahamas.gov.bs/.
4. “Doctor’s Hospital on track for Grand Bahama opening in 2025, plans expansion to Eleuthera,” Eye Witness News. Accessed December 23, 2025.  https://ewnews.com/doctors-hospital-on-track-for-grand-bahama-opening-in-2025-plans-expansion-to-eleuthera/.
5. “Bahamas, China Finalize Hospital Deal After 3 Years,” Bahamas Information Services, July 14, 2025. Accessed December 23, 2025.  https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/news-press-release/signing-of-the-framework-agreement-with-the-chinese-government-taking-place-after-three-years-of-planning-and-consultations.
6. “141 Emergency Shelters Confirmed for The Bahamas – 2025 Hurricane Season,” Bahamas Local News. Accessed December 23, 2025.  https://www.bahamaslocal.com/newsitem/335796/.
7. “The Bahamas - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC.” Accessed December 23, 2025.  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/the-bahamas.
8. “Bahamas Spared Major Impact as Hurricane Melissa Shifts Away,” Bahamas National, https://bahamasnational.com/bahamas-spared-major-impact-as-hurricane-melissa-shifts-away/.