National Health Insurance Scheme to reduce cost of treatment – Jonas Chanda

THE National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIMA) will make treatment of medical conditions that require expensive medical procedures to be affordable for ordinary Zambians, says Health Minister Jonas Chanda. Speaking when he visited Kamuchanga District Hospital in Mufulira, Dr Chanda said NHIMA will protect citizens from going bankrupt due to sudden illnesses that are costly. He said in the past, citizens had to sell houses and other properties to enable them afford medical care due to lack of insurance. The minister said NHIMA will directly benefit patients as 90 percent of the funds realised from the scheme will be pumped back into health facilities. “What we are doing is pulling resources, and because not everyone gets sick at the same time, resources are available for those who need them, and health care becomes affordable for everyone,” Dr Chanda said. Meanwhile, the business sector in Mufulira has welcomed the government’s plans to roll out the scheme to the informal sector. Mufulira Business Association chairperson, Martin Mbewe, said the scheme will help small and large scale businessmen and women, as it will enable them to access quality health care.