BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, April 8, 2024 (MMS-SKN) — In celebration of this year’s World Health Day, observed under the theme ‘My health, my right’, Caribbean National Insurance Company Limited, along with the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited, held a successful WellCare Health Fair at the West Independence Square in Basseterre on Friday, April 5.
“As we celebrate World Health Day on April 7 (Sunday), at National Caribbean Insurance we felt that it was important to bring our offerings to the public,” said General Manager of the National Caribbean Insurance (NCI) Company Limited, Ms Diana Williams-Humphrey.
The WellCare Health Fair, which attracted hundreds of patrons from all walks of life, was held in collaboration with the Health Promotion Unit, the National HIV/AIDS Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health, and the St. Kitts Diabetes Association.
“In addition to National Caribbean Insurance being here, we also have health screenings and testing being done, because you know sometimes prevention is better than cure,” observed Ms Williams-Humphrey. “In a country where we have non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as some of the most frequent occurring diseases, we felt it is important to offer some preventative measures.”
She added: “At National Caribbean Insurance we care about the health and wellbeing of our Federation as we believe your health is your right – seize this opportunity to prioritise your well-being and create a healthier future.”
Apart from the various tests that were being done and advice being given to patrons, Caribbean National Insurance was also promoting its National WellCARE Health Plan, which according to the General Manager, offers healthcare coverage at three levels.
She explained that with the Platinum Plan, one has a lifetime maximum of one million dollars. The Gold Plan has a lifetime maximum of $500,000 while the Silver Plan has a lifetime maximum of $250,000. The plans cover the policyholder, spouse and children, where one can elect for dental and vision, and other benefits in the coverage include hospital, room and board, surgery, and doctor and specialist visits.
“National WellCare Health Plan covers a whole range of things,” explained Mrs Williams-Humphrey. “With National, you are protected. We hope that you get the coverage – don’t wait until something happens. Get the coverage now – for you and your family.”
Leading the team from the Ministry of Health was the National HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator and Health Educator, Dr Mathias Afortu-Ofre. The team also included Dr Yannik Henry, a paediatrician based at Joseph Nathaniel France General Hospital; Nutrition Officer, Ms Chere Ann Waiver; and Nurse Jaime Mona-Vanterpool of the Sylvia Gannett Primary Health Care Facility in Tabernacle.
Among those who turned out included Mr Terrence Crossman, First Vice Chair and Managing Director of the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited, Chairman of National Caribbean Insurance Company Limited, His Excellency Cedric Liburd, and a former General Manager of the Caribbean National Insurance Company Limited, Mr Denzil Crooke.
“National Bank Group of Companies through NCI is happy to be partnering with the Ministry of Health, and the St. Kitts Diabetes Association to provide awareness as to the issues that affect us,” said Mr Crossman. “These include lifestyle diseases that impact us daily, and so this initiative is important to all of us.”
He commended National Caribbean Insurance Company Limited for coming out and being able to assist nationals and residents with improving their lifestyles and livelihoods by playing a part in educational awareness for the nation to minimise the incidences of lifestyle diseases occurring in the population.