Tufton sides with pregnant women

WESTERN BUREAU

HEALTH MINISTER Dr Christopher Tufton says he disagrees with the policy of asking expectant mothers to pay for their healthcare up front and then claim refunds as reportedly is being suggested by an insurance company.

With several women’s organisations arguing against the proposed policy, the health minister t old The Gleaner recently that he planned to look into the matter.

“I think it is something that should be looked into. I am not aware of which insurance company that is involved,” said Tufton. “But, frankly speaking, just as how other services are available via the insurance card and then the insurance company retrieves later on, I think that in this instance, pregnancy is also a mainstream activity,” he added.

The matter gained national attention following a recent

Sunday Gleaner story t hat highlighted the plight of pregnant women who complained of having to pay out of pocket for their healthcare, despite having insurance coverage.

In the Sunday Gleaner story, gender specialist Nadeen Spence says the health and well-being of pregnant women and their babies are being compromised by the provision.

“It sounds like they are preying on women’s vulnerability i n pregnancy and their need for healthcare,” said Spence, after it was pointed out that some medical providers do not provide pregnant women with the forms to claim their refund.

The health minister indicated that he needs to get more details on the issue, adding that he has seen the article.

Tufton spoke to The Gleaner last Thursday after participating in a ceremony to announce the adoption of the Cascade Health Centre in Hanover by the United Kingdom-based Ja55 Charities Group.