Cancer Society responds amid NHI’s changes to screenings policy
With the National Health Insurance (NHI) announcing that it will be making some amendments to its coverage of cervical cancer screening, the BVI Cancer Society has said although they were initially sceptical about the decision, further checks have proven that the new policy is in line with the best international practices for the procedure.
In a press release dated June 30, the NHI noted that effective August 1, 2022, the new protocols regarding routine cervical cancer screenings would take effect.
“The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has restructured their recommendations regarding routine cervical cancer screenings,” the press release said. “Accordingly, NHI will be amending their benefits package to institute the following guidelines: Routine Pap Smear Screening every three years [and] HPV Testing every five years.”
The NHI said although it will be implementing these guidelines, there will be special considerations for individuals at risk for developing cervical cancer.
“This includes those diagnosed as having a high-grade precancerous cervical lesion and those with compromised immune systems,” NHI said.
In an invited comment to BVI News, the Cancer Society said they received concerns from many people regarding the change in policy.
“As one of the main cancer advocacy groups in the territory, we appreciate that there were concerns about the announcement. The BVI Cancer Society understands that the NHI’s announced cervical cancer screening guideline is in line with international medical best practices. This is in regard to the gynaecological recommendation that a Pap smear should be performed every three years if the patients’ previous tests were normal,” the Cancer Society said.
According to the USPSTF Recommendations which NHI released with the press release, women aged 21 and less, women over 65 and women who had a hysterectomy with the removal of the cervix were issued a Grade D recommendation; meaning the USPSTF recommends against the service. This indicates there is a high certainty that the service has no benefit or that the harm outweighs the benefits.
Meanwhile, women between the ages of 21 and 29 were issued a Grade A recommendation which means the USPSTF recommends the service and noted the net benefit is substantial. Women who fall within this age range are recommended to have cytology done every three years.
Additionally, women who are between the ages of 30 to 65 are also given the Grade A recommendation and it is advised that they do one of three screenings. They are advised to do a cytology every three years, a FDA (US, Food and Drug Administration)-approved primary hrHPV (high-risk human papillomavirus testing) or contesting (hrHPV testing and cytology) every five years.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Once again the people are screwed. Why didn’t they come down on the practitioners who took advantage of the system instead it is the people that must suffer for the corruption of the system.
I will continue to do mines every year regardless.
I second that!
I am so sorry for those women who only have Tortola to do their tests, these authorities only think in themselves.
poor people
GIVE AWAY 40 MILLION TO MAN IN MIAMI ,CAN WE GET IT BACK PLEASE , BECAUSE UP TO NOW WE STILL DON’T KNOW WHO ALL GET FREE MONEY TO PARTY ON OUR TAXPAYERS MONEY / WHILE THOSE WHO REALLY NEEDED HELP WAS WILFULLY LEFT OUT (THAT IS WICKEDNESS )BUT THE LORD IS DEALING WITH THEM ONE BY ONE ?
Why the hell they don’t scrap this whole NHI and let people do they own thing.You don’t know if you coming or going with NHI.Nonsense.
Just stop paying into the system and look for a private insurance. ANY BUSINESS CAN ONLY SURVIVE WITH CUSTOMERS. SOLUTION TO ANY ISSUE! PERIODT!!
Carrot Bay, yes get rid of NHI. Over65 and children do not pay NHI but get treatment whether accessing Private or Public. Some even pay a limited amount and get full service. for a family yes go and get your private insurance and see how much you have to pay per month compare to NHI. Do you know if you have major medical condition each year your insurance will increase? you people do not know what you have. What a pity. Other countries wish they had a NHI.
The majority of people living in the BVI are the most ungreatful set of people you will find any where on earth. I had a major illness and I am over 65 years, NHI took care of 80% of medical expenses and when I was over my limit for claim the let me know. Without NHI I might be 6 feet under now. When I read the ignorance of these people I get sick to the stomach. The problem is they want everything for free.
hmm them same doctors advising ppl to do test once a year. NHI does be untruthful too. they say they paying certain amount them the pay out a different amount and no one is replying to emails about same.
Those making the decisions for NHI quick to take away Women’s right to proper healthcare under the only insurance many of us have. I’m waiting to see a reduction in prostate exams…hurry up announce it so this decision can be fair and equal. I am so sick of NHI.
Why are they following the US guidelines for BVI Health Care? Are we a US territory?