Work on the implementation strategies for the National Health Plan kicked off recently at the Health Financing Summit, Health Minister Zane DeSilva reported to the House of Assembly on Friday.Minister DeSilva told the House that some 115 stakeholders attended the Summit, held last month, including keynote presenters Dr Ruben Suarez of the Pan American Health Organisation, and Dr Marc Roberts a professor at Harvard School of Public Health.“The most important guests, of course, were the members of the National Health Plan Task Groups,” said the Minister.“The task group members were split into ‘breakout groups’ to work on their Health Plan goals, thus creating a process of active dialogue and collaboration.”The Minister went on to say that his Ministry was committed to consultation.Minister DeSilva also reported on the 6th Caribbean Conference on National Health Financing Initiatives which was held immediately after the Health Financing Summit.“That meeting targeted health officials from across the Caribbean region and focused on ethics in healthcare reform, reinsurance and regional health insurance, financing overseas care, national health planning, stakeholder analysis and IT partnerships.In other health news, The Ministry of Health has today launched its National Health Plan (NHP) website and Facebook page, as part of its public consultation efforts.Residents can find the latest information on the National Health Plan at www.nhp.bm and the Facebook page Bermuda’s National Health Plan, as of today, according to a statement from the Ministry.A dedicated e-mail has also been established to receive comments and queries: nhp[AT]gov.bm.“The Ministry of Health, along with all Task Group members, is working hard to improve the equity and sustainability of our healthcare system through the National Health Plan, our health system reform strategy,” said Mr DeSilva.“Healthcare is an essential service for all people living in Bermuda and therefore all should be included in the process of reforming the system.“The Ministry has been committed to being open and consulting widely in the development of the Plan and will continue to do so in its implementation.“The website and Facebook page are two avenues to ensure the public have access to information and involvement in the ongoing work of the NHP.”