Chelva Wells

The Ministry of Health and Social Services is on the verge of finalising the Universal Health Coverage Policy, aimed to ensure access to healthcare services without financial hardship.

MoHSS deputy director for health financing, Uakurama Ambrosius, told Nampa on Tuesday the draft policy has been presented to the minister and is now awaiting his endorsement before being submitted to Cabinet for approval.

This process, is expected to be completed within the next two months.
“The UHC Policy is a key component of the government’s broader health agenda, which has been in development since a Cabinet decision in 2022,” he said.

He stated that the policy, once approved, will guide the provision of comprehensive preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative care across Namibia, ensuring access to essential health services for all citizens.

Ambrosius added that a multi-sectoral technical working group (TWG) was established to lead the drafting of the policy, and engage various stakeholders.

“This group includes representatives from government ministries, parliament, development partners, the private sector, trade unions, civil society and healthcare professionals. Over the last two years, the TWG facilitated consultations across the country, reaching between 600 to 1 000 individuals from over 100 organisations,” he said.

The feedback from these consultations has been incorporated into the draft policy.

Ambrosius stated that the UHC Policy aims to address existing gaps in healthcare delivery, including specialised treatments, chronic disease management, and mental health services.

“The MoHSS is committed to improving the availability and quality of healthcare services, with efforts already underway, such as the establishment of a dialysis centre in Katutura, and the recruitment of mental health professionals. Additionally, the policy will include mechanisms to strengthen public-private collaboration, particularly in areas where the public sector faces capacity challenges.”

Financing the UHC Policy will rely on a mix of public funds, insurance contributions and other innovative funding sources. 

The government plans to strengthen its public financing mechanisms, including advocating for increased allocations from the Ministry of Finance, and introducing health taxes, Ambrosius noted.