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Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) says it is still planning to implement Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with the framework already approved by the Cabinet two years ago, stated the MoHSS Minister, Kalumbi Shangula.
Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) says it is still planning to implement universal health coverage (UHC), with the framework already approved by the Cabinet two years ago, stated the MoHSS Minister, Kalumbi Shangula. The process is ongoing and involves extensive consultations with various stakeholders. Sequel to this a report will be compiled and reviewed before finalizing the UHC implementation plan. The framework has already been approved by the Cabinet two years ago. He further explained that while there is no specific date for the UHC rollout, the current efforts aim to expand on primary health care and create a comprehensive UHC program.
It’s a process, so MoHSS don’t have a definite date of how long the process is going to take, but the most important element we are already implementing is primary health care, he explained.
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, marginalized, and vulnerable populations.
This comes as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Wednesday, signed into law the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill, which serves as a fund, financed through taxes, through which the government procures healthcare services for all citizens residing in the country, from both public and private healthcare providers. This means that when an individual falls ill, they can visit their nearest general practitioner or clinic that has a contract with the NHI, without any concern about the cost of care.
Individuals will have the freedom to choose the healthcare facilities they prefer. The primary objective of the NHI is to enhance healthcare accessibility for all citizens. Individuals will have the option to access NHI-contracted general practitioners, clinics, or hospitals nearest to them, regardless of whether they are part of the public or private sector.
UHC aims to provide health care and financial protection to all people in a given country with three related objectives: Equity in access – everyone who needs health services should get them, and not simply those who can pay for them. Quality of health services – good enough to improve the health of those receiving the services. Financial-risk protection – ensuring that the cost of health care does not put people at risk of financial hardship.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/sa-president-ramaphosa-signs-nhi-bill-into-law/
https://trendsnafrica.com/kenyans-to-contribute-2-75-of-salary-for-universal-health-coverage/
https://trendsnafrica.com/the-first-africa-healthcare-federation-summit-opens-in-addis-ababa/
Most African countries have integrated UHC as a goal in their national health strategies. Yet, progress in translating these commitments into expanded domestic resources for health, effective development assistance, and ultimately, equitable and quality health services, and increased financial protection, has been slow. Countries that achieve their UHC targets by 2030 will eliminate preventable maternal and child deaths, strengthen resilience to public health emergencies, reduce financial hardship linked to illness, and strengthen the foundations for long-term economic growth. Despite the great diversity of African countries, many are facing common challenges. This framework proposes a set of actions for countries and stakeholders involved in the UHC process. It is intended to stimulate action by demonstrating that progress toward UHC is not only possible, it is also essential.
