CLAREMONT, St. Ann:
A MAJOR programme, the National Health Insurance Programme (NHIP), will be launched later this year and will provide health insurance for all Jamaicans.
This disclosure was made by Senator Floyd Morris, Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Security, at a meeting to present grants to beneficiaries of the advancement through health and education programme (PATH) at the St. Matthews Anglican Church Hall in Claremont on Thursday, last week.
Senator Morris made the comments following an explanation of the PATH programme, which replaces the old-age and incapacity programme, the food stamp and outdoor poor relief programme.
Under the PATH programme, cash grants were provided for the poorest in society. The Senator noted that payment of $300 per needy beneficiaries in each household for health and education had started on Monday, February 17.
He pointed out that he knew some people did not want to stay on the PATH programme for the rest of their lives, but wanted to be able to help their families.
Senator Morris suggested a rehabilitation programme, where people would be able to rear chickens or start business.
He added, "We don't want one person to get four to six benefits and the rest get nothing. We need to cut out that."
Consultant to the Ministry of Social Security, Allan Rickards, deemed the audience the most attentive they had met so far.
He said poverty was more a "state of mind than anything else" and if beneficiaries get assistance and use it right, they could overcome their difficulties.
Rickards urged parents to send their children to school and added, "Free your mind, plenty big man drive around but don't have the next cent".
The consultant noted that the benefits being provided by the Ministry was not enough, but the government wanted to do more.
