Lahja Nashuuta
Former health minister Dr Bernard Haufiku has commended the government of South Africa for passing the National Healthcare Insurance (NHI) law to make quality healthcare available to all citizens, irrespective of their economic status.
The Act will make provision for the creation of a state fund, financed through taxes, by which the government will procure healthcare services for all citizens residing in the country from both public and private healthcare providers.
Haufiku hailed the passing of the NHI law as a move in the right direction.
It is a beacon of hope for thousands of South Africans who could not afford quality healthcare, he noted.
Namibia has a two-tier health system, with a publicly-funded sector which accounts for 85% of the population.
“Introducing such a programme will make a huge difference in the lives of vulnerable people who previously could not receive medical treatment in terms of accessibility and affordability. The cost of healthcare services in Namibia is now escalating in a way that is not sustainable. We also need to push for national health coverage for us to bridge the gap between the rich and poor when it comes to access to quality healthcare,” Haufiku said during an interview with this paper last week.
The NHI law was signed off by South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa last week.
According to the new law, all citizens, resident taxpayers and children will be able to access, at no additional cost, NHI-contracted public or private general practitioners, clinics or hospitals closest to them.
Coverage will include basic and comprehensive healthcare services such as primary care, diagnostic services, emergency medical services, outpatient and inpatient care, dental care, medicines, rehabilitation and palliative care.
A list of benefits covered would be determined by a Benefits Advisory Committee via regulations.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) states that only 15% of Namibians are on medical aid, leaving
more than 85% of Namibians without any medical aid, and dependent on and receiving public healthcare services which are funded by the State and through out-of- pocket expenditure.
“All residents must be covered by health insurance if we are to bridge the access gap between the rich and poor. By enacting such a law, make constitutional provision for the government to provide healthcare to everyone at no cost.
Unlike in cases where most of our citizens must go the extra mile to source funds for their medical operations or major health services, there will be a State fund that will cater for everyone’s health services,” Haufiku said.
He, however, observed that while it is a daunting task for some critics, especially in terms of government affordability and sustainability, the fact remains that there is a need for inclusive health provision.
Haufiku, however, cautioned the government to prepare the ground before implementing such a policy.
“Firstly, we need to make sure that there is sufficient infrastructure, human resources and all necessary components before we pass the NHI law so that we do not neglect other pressing issues such as poverty and unemployment,” he added.
Sharing similar sentiments, fellow medical professional Dr Nelson Makemba said the initiative was a noble one.
However, he raised concerns about the state of public health infrastructure in place, which would make implementation difficult.
Makemba felt there is a need to close the gap between the State and the private sector so that “services are comparable on both sides of the fence, and when that happens, perhaps one can consider such initiatives”.
MoHSS has confirmed that the government is planning to implement universal health coverage (UHC), with the framework already approved by Cabinet two years ago.
Health minister Kalumbi Shangula said the process is ongoing, and involves extensive consultations with the public and various stakeholders.
He was quoted by local media as stating that the UHC is expected to provide affordable health services to everyone in the country as Namibia strives to re-envision the availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of health service delivery in a way that meets the needs and rights of all, especially key, marginalised and vulnerable populations.
-lnashuuta@gmail.com