By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Government of Belize has earmarked approximately $161 million for health and education programs in the 2026 national budget, with major investments directed toward expanding healthcare services and supporting schools across the country.
During his budget presentation, Prime Minister John Briceño outlined several key allocations aimed at strengthening Belize’s public health system. Among the largest is $57 million to operationalize the National Health Insurance (NHI) Program, representing a $7 million increase over the previous year. The NHI program, introduced in 2001, was designed to improve access to affordable primary healthcare and has recently been expanded nationwide with the addition of services in the Cayo District.
The government will also allocate $52.5 million for Central Medical Stores, the agency responsible for procuring and distributing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to public health facilities across Belize. In addition, $33.7 million has been earmarked for operational support for the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Belize’s main public referral hospital located in Belize City.
In the education sector, the budget includes $13 million in education grants to support schools and educational institutions. Additional allocations include $2.6 million for the Healthy Start Feeding Program, which supports school nutrition initiatives, and $2.2 million to expand internet access to schools.
Together, the health allocations total $143.2 million, while education programs account for $17.8 million, bringing the combined investment in the two sectors to approximately $161 million.
The funding forms part of the government’s broader 2026 budget strategy, which focuses on strengthening social services while improving access to healthcare and education for Belizeans.
The post $161 Million allocated for health and education in 2026 budget, with major funding for NHI, KHMH, education grants, school feeding programs appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The Government of Belize has earmarked approximately $161 million for health and education programs in the 2026 national budget, with major investments directed toward expanding healthcare services and supporting schools across the country. During his budget presentation, Prime Minister John Briceño outlined several key allocations aimed at strengthening Belize’s public
The post $161 Million allocated for health and education in 2026 budget, with major funding for NHI, KHMH, education grants, school feeding programs appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
