THE Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) has implored the National Health Insured Management Authority (NHIMA) to strengthen the prudent management of resources and seal fissures threatening the sustainability of the health insurance scheme unlike modifying the benefit package.
On April 30 NHIMA announced that it would alter the benefits package for specific services effective July 1, 2024 but the said decision was rescinded two days.
However, ZMA president Kaumba Tolopu has advised the Authority to consult relevant stakeholders before revising the benefits package.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday Tolopu noted that there are unscrupulous business practices perpetrated by some individuals who are materially-minded.
“Such practices need to be investigated and appropriate punishment be meted out. This possess the risk of exploitation and risk of failure,” he said.
“It is our informed view and recommendation that NHIMA expediently addresses these weaknesses by ensuring the system requirements alluded to above are instituted without fear or political interference.”
He said there is need for a sustainable revenue collection mechanism, prudent management of the fund, effective monitoring and evaluation systems.
Tolopu added that prevention of exploitation of the fund was also a prerequisite to see to it that NHIMA’s finances are afloat and the authority does not go into insolvency.
“NHIMA resources should not be abused or channeled to any other expenses within the Ministry of Health other than for the services to our Zambian People,”Tolopu said.
“NHIMA should be allowed to operate without undue political pressure or interference. This will enable management to execute its mandate objectively.”
He added that the revision of the package does not exclude recommended primary benefits package by the World Health Organization (WHO).
By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba May 7, 2024.
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