Offer as a personal income tax deduction, the cost of an annual gym membership or membership in a similar exercise programme.
Rationale: A large percentage of Barbados' health budget is spent on treating persons suffering from non-communicable diseases. Many of these diseases can be controlled or in some instances, prevented with exercise. By offering the cost of gym membership or membership in a similar exercise programme as a personal income tax deduction, it acts as an incentive for persons to exercise, which in itself leads to a healthier population and can lead to reduced demand on the health budget, particularly in the treatment of non-communicable diseases.
Submitted by Nicole Alleyne