Boledo Millions to Fund National Health Insurance

The Briceño administration has unveiled an ambitious plan to leverage Boledo lottery profits to bolster Belize’s healthcare system. Prime Minister John Briceño announced that earnings from Boledo sales are projected to exceed $20 million this year, with the funds earmarked for the rollout of National Health Insurance (NHI) nationwide. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to citizens, addressing long-standing gaps in the healthcare infrastructure. Narda Garcia, CEO of the Ministry of Investment, emphasized the need for NHI to operate as an autonomous body, enabling direct funding from the Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL). Currently, Boledo profits are channeled through the government before reaching NHI, which operates under the Social Security Board. Garcia anticipates that legislative changes in December or January will formalize NHI’s autonomy, streamlining the financial process. The Prime Minister highlighted the success of the Boledo initiative, noting that the first year of operations (April 2024 to March 2025) generated $16.7 million, surpassing expectations. This innovative funding strategy underscores the government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and quality for all Belizeans.