Health Minister Dr Elijah Muchima has announced that the government plans to increase individual contributions to the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA). The move aims to boost the quality and reach of services offered under the NHIMA scheme.
Dr Muchima made the announcement during the official launch of NHIMA-funded medical equipment at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital on Monday. He emphasized that the current contribution rates are insufficient to meet the rising demand for healthcare services across Zambia.
“The current contribution levels are too low to sustain the growing needs of our healthcare system,” Dr Muchima said. “Increasing contributions will enable NHIMA to expand coverage, improve access to medical equipment, and deliver better services to all citizens.”
The minister also addressed the rising incidence of cancer cases in the country. He noted that Zambia continues to record an increase in cancer diagnoses, putting additional pressure on healthcare resources.
Dr Muchima expressed optimism that the completion of two specialized cancer hospitals, located in Lusaka and Ndola, will improve cancer care by December 2025. These facilities are expected to offer advanced treatment options closer to patients, reducing the need for expensive overseas referrals.
“Our goal is to improve early diagnosis and treatment of cancer to save more lives,” he said. “The new hospitals will be fully equipped and staffed to provide comprehensive cancer care.”
Dr Muchima added that consultations on the new NHIMA contribution rates have already started. The government intends to engage stakeholders to ensure the increase is fair and sustainable for all citizens.
The planned NHIMA funding boost aligns with Zambia’s broader goal to strengthen its healthcare system and improve access to quality medical services nationwide. With the additional resources, NHIMA aims to enhance medical infrastructure and expand insurance coverage to more Zambians.
The government’s focus on healthcare financing and infrastructure development reflects its commitment to addressing Zambia’s growing health challenges and improving outcomes for patients across the country.