By Belize Live News Staff: As public attention remains fixed on the murder investigation involving Dr. Naun Bonilla, the National Health Insurance program is moving to clear the air regarding claims that an NHI contract may have been at the center of the dispute.
In an official statement released Sunday, NHI categorically denied suggestions that it had awarded or signed a lucrative contract with Belmopan Medical Laboratory Services. The agency described such claims as false and misleading.
The clarification is significant because reports surrounding the case have focused heavily on a business dispute involving the laboratory operation jointly owned by Dr. Bonilla and one of the individuals now charged in connection with his murder.
According to NHI, while the laboratory had participated in the organization’s expansion process for healthcare services in Cayo, negotiations were halted after officials became aware of an ongoing legal dispute between the co-owners.
NHI explained that support service contracts are not finalized until clinics begin delivering services under the program and stressed that no executed agreement existed with the laboratory.
The statement represents the first direct response from NHI since the murder investigation began attracting national attention.
While police continue pursuing their case against the two accused persons, NHI says it wants Belizeans to understand one key fact: there was never a signed NHI contract with Belmopan Medical Laboratory Services.
