First Phase of NHI by Year End? April 3, 2021 Share this post: Will Saint Lucia see the first phase of a National Health Insurance (NHI) programme as early as the end of this year? A release from the government seems to state the affirmative which indicated that the implementation of such a programme will mark a major milestone in the island’s health care system. Health Planner in the Department of Health & Wellness, Lauren James explains that the first phase of the NHI system will include an essential package of health services at the Primary care level geared at tackling non-communicable diseases.