By Krystel Rolle

Guardian Staff Reporter

Nassau – A study undertaken by an international research group has determined that The Bahamas has an aging population, according to Health Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis.

The study, which was undertaken as a part of the Ministry of Health's National Health Services Strategic Plan 2010-2020, looked at the issues that the country should seek to address before the construction of a new public hospital, Minnis said.

An aging population is usually characterized by an increase in a population's mean and median ages, a decline in the proportion comprised of children and young adults, and a rise in the proportion that is elderly.

"We were informed and became aware that our young population, over the next 20 or so years, will diminish and we will find that the numbers of individuals between the ages of zero to 20 will decrease, whereas the numbers of individuals between the ages of 45-65 and older will increase," Dr. Minnis said as he made his contribution to the 2009/ 2010 mid-year budget debate in the House of Assembly yesterday.

"What it pointed out is that our fertility rate continues to deteriorate and therefore we will find ourselves at the exact opposite of where we are today. Rather than having a young population we would have an older population. Mr. Speaker that is important in moving forward because as your population ages, it means that the health costs would subsequently increase."

Minnis said The Bahamas may soon begin to experience problems that are currently sweeping other nations, including the United States.

"The young population, because of the economic situation and the decrease in disposable income, has given up their insurance so as to be assisted by the government sector," Minnis said referring to Americans.

As a result of this, insurance companies have to compensate for the loss and at the same time continue to cover the older and less healthy population who have for the most part retained their insurance.

Minnis said insurance premiums have already risen in excess of 25 percent in The Bahamas and could rise even higher at some companies.

The study also revealed the desperate need for additional physicians in The Bahamas, Minnis said.

"As we prepare for (the future), we would need at least an additional 370 physicians. Our bed complement today is at least 38 short. And if we prepare for 2010 then we would need an additional 100 beds."

The study also said The Bahamas must place more emphasis on tele-medicine, Dr. Minnis said.

He added that the country must also move towards developing its medical tourism product.

However, Minnis pointed out that the Princess Margaret Hospital, as it is, cannot deliver the kind of product that is necessary to draw visitors in.

He noted that plans are being formulated for the construction of a new hospital.

In the meantime, Minnis said the construction of the three new surgical suites and support facilities at the Princess Margaret Hospital will begin in July 2010.