Health care for all

THERE are many families that have lost loved ones all because they could not afford the health care needed. Many give up just because of the cost implication in the treatment of certain ailments.

However, this should no longer be the case. Government has brought a solution and this is for everyone regardless of class, whether one is in employment or not.

The introduction of the National Health Insurance Management Scheme (NHIMA) is a great milestone for this country and every citizen should be encouraged to enroll for the scheme.

Not only does the scheme under NHIMA guarantee improved health service delivery, it actually does provide a whole range of improved health benefits.

It would appear however that many Zambians are not aware of the many benefits to be enjoyed under NHIMA, and have continued to ignore the scheme.

Some companies have however realised that the national health insurance provides a cost saving mechanism by subsidising the cost of treatment of various ailments including the most complicated operation one can encounter.

The modalities of joining the scheme are simple because one just needs to go to their NHIMA offices with their national registration card and they fill in forms. Alternatively, employers obtain the forms and register their employees.

Employees pay one percent and employers one percent of basic income to entitle the policy holder to free treatment in any government hospital or as the case may be now, in any accredited health care provider.

And in line with the government policy of not leaving anyone behind, even the self-employed/ informal sector are catered for and only need to pay one percent of assessed income.

Exempted groups from contributions include those above the age of 65 years, those deemed vulnerable by the Ministry of Community Development and those who are physically and mentally disabled and unable to work.

That means the rest of the population whether in formal or informal employment can be assessed and pay to join the scheme.

And now to make this even better, NHIMA has included other fields of health care providers such as pharmacies, diagnostic centres and orthopaedic implants benefits, a package accessed from the private health facilities with pre-authorisation.

Yesterday, NHIMA announced the addition of eight private health care providers it has accredited to enhance access by its members to receive the benefits of insurance service under the insurance management scheme and that brings the total number to140 countrywide.

NHIMA director general James Kapesa however explained that, in an event that their member is provided a valid prescription or a laboratory request that cannot be provided in any of the accredited facilities, the member would be able to present the prescription to the newly accredited private or diagnostic centre to access the benefit in a cashless manner.

This means that if for some reason any hospital does not have medicine as prescribed, a patient who is a member can still go to any accredited pharmacy and get the required medication.

This actually works out well for patients because the hunt for medication would be minimised. Above all, treatment is guaranteed and that is what any patient wants to hear.