Belize

Health services, including access to pharmaceuticals, have been theoretically provided at almost no charge over the past few years by the Government. However this has lead to rationing and poor quality: hospital equipment is inadequate, good hospitals are scarce in rural areas it is difficult for citizens to get extended courses of palliative care or treatment. The country has sought to reform healthcare through a National Health Insurance System. Belize charges high taxes on medicines, including a 10% import tariff and 10% GST.