NHIMA leads universal health coverage journey

THE National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) has assured the public that the authority is aimed at improving health service delivery in the country.

And NHIMA, Director for Quality Assurance and Accreditation, Mpuma Kamanga, says the authority’s main purpose is to achieve Universal Health coverage for all citizens without having any financial barriers.

Dr Kamanga was speaking during a sensitization meeting in Senanga district, Western Province yesterday.

Dr Kamanga also explained that NHIMA team is touring hospitals in the province to get feedback on the implementation of the scheme.

“The scheme will ensure members of the public have access to quality health care services, and we do not want people to start looking for money when they seek health services at health facilities, because the scheme is available,” Dr. Kamanga stated.

Meanwhile, NHIMA Senior Public Relations Officer, Mutolo Mwamba has called on Senanga General Hospital management to utilise the media in sensitising the public about NHIMA and the services it offers.

Ms. Mwamba said it is important that everyone is aware of the scheme to achieve the universal benefits.

“We are all ambassadors of information dissemination and the only way of not leaving anyone behind is by continued sensitization of the scheme and explain what it offers,” Ms Mwamba noted.

And Senanga General Hospital, Acting Medical Superintendent, Jeff Musafiri has urged NHIMA members to identify themselves at health facilities so that they are not charged for health services.

“A front desk is available at the Outpatient Department (OPD) at the hospital to provide all the needed information about the scheme and get help,” He stated.

NHIMA team is in Western Province visiting selected districts to share information and get feedback on how the scheme is being implemented in hospitals.

Since its inception the scheme has since registered 1 million members and is now recruiting from the informal sector.