Silethemba Mlauzi
The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) has offered a mixed reaction to the government’s unveiling of the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, hailing it as a positive step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), but also expressing reservations about the challenges laying ahead.
In a statement released today, CWGH emphasized the critical importance of addressing the social determinants of health alongside the implementation of the NHI. “To fully realize the benefits of a National Health Insurance scheme, we must focus on addressing the social and environmental factors that influence people’s health outcomes,” a spokesperson for CWGH stated.
The spokesperson stressed that experiences from countries with successful NHI schemes highlight the necessity of prioritizing preventive measures and health promotion. They emphasized the pivotal role of Primary Health Care (PHC) in sustaining the NHI, citing its ability to effectively manage various health conditions and reduce the burden on expensive acute care services.
Furthermore, the statement underlined the need to bolster the public health infrastructure, describing it as the backbone of a resilient health system. “Investing in public health infrastructure is vital for fulfilling the core functions of public health and ensuring the sustainability of the NHI,” the spokesperson added.
One of the pressing concerns raised by CWGH is the importance of enhancing the health workforce’s sustainability and competitiveness. This includes attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in remote areas through improved working conditions and career prospects, especially for nurses.
Regarding the financial viability of the NHI, CWGH emphasized the necessity of diversifying funding sources beyond payroll contributions. “Solely relying on payroll taxes may not be sustainable, particularly in economies with a significant informal sector like Zimbabwe. A mix of funding sources, including value-added tax, sin taxes, and other levies, is essential for ensuring the long-term financial stability of the NHI,” the spokesperson explained.
While CWGH acknowledges the government’s commitment to UHC through the proposed NHI, the group urges policymakers to address these critical issues to ensure the success and sustainability of the ambitious healthcare reform initiative.
