Don’t Give Unhealthy People Work Permits

Dear Editor,

I write in response to the article on the cover of the Weekly News, December 6–12 publication, “Healthcare Strained: Over 1,000 Flown Out in Eight Months.” I note that the Minister of Health, Hon. Kyle Knowles, stated that the system is “in need of serious repair.”

First and foremost, one of the major issues contributing to the strain, an issue Minister Knowles did not highlight, is the Government’s own responsibility in allowing employers to bring in workers with serious pre-existing medical conditions.

In most countries, individuals with conditions requiring extensive, high-cost care, such as cancer treatment or dialysis, are not approved for work permits because such cases are known to place significant pressure on the healthcare system, especially where many treatments cannot be provided locally.

What is even more perplexing is that the Government sends patients abroad to designated hospitals for care. Yet, individuals from some of those same countries are being referred back to their own nations by the Government for treatment. Some may argue that these workers are entitled to care because they contribute to the National Health Insurance Plan.

While this may be true, many arrive with pre-existing conditions that require ongoing treatment. At the same time, we also have our own nationals returning home after years abroad without insurance, who must be cared for by the Government, sometimes with treatment costs exceeding one million dollars per patient.

I also note the recent press release regarding an increase in HIV cases. There are work permit applicants who are HIV-positive, and once they demonstrate that their condition is controlled, they are issued a “Certificate of Good Health.” The same occurs for individuals with cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Once approved and registered with NHIP, they are understandably eligible for treatment.

However, the Government owes the public an explanation as to why a Certificate of Good Health is being issued to individuals with significant pre-existing medical conditions, particularly when work permit holders are currently receiving dialysis, cancer care, and other high-cost treatments. Issuing such certificates appears inconsistent with the stated goal of reducing pressure on the system.

Minister Knowles stated that the Government is “resolute in its mission to provide sustainable, high-quality healthcare.”

A meaningful place to begin would be to review the policy that allows employers to bring in workers who require extensive medical care. Many of these individuals come from countries with strong healthcare systems of their own; if their governments do not assume responsibility for their care, the question becomes: why should ours?

NHIP employees have reportedly raised concerns to the Government for years about the significant number of work permit holders who, upon registration, are found to have substantial medical issues. These longstanding concerns should not continue to go unaddressed.

-Name withheld