GOVERNMENT TO PAY NHIMA’S K1.7 BILLION DEBT
Government says it will take over a 1.7 billion Kwacha debt that NHIMA owes to hospitals and health suppliers.
Minister of Health Roma Chilengi announced the decision during the ZNBC TV1 Main News. He said the move is meant to reduce NHIMA’s financial problems and help it serve people better.
Professor Chilengi said Cabinet has also approved other changes to NHIMA. Workers will now pay two percent of their total salary, not just two percent of basic pay.
He added that Government will start paying NHIMA contributions for elderly citizens who do not contribute. Part of the money from Social Cash Transfer will also be used to pay for health insurance.
In addition, Government will now pay directly for kidney dialysis. The Minister said this service has been costing NHIMA about 400 million Kwacha every year.
Professor Chilengi said all these changes are meant to strengthen NHIMA so it can continue giving quality health care to Zambians.
He said the new measures will start in January 2027, when the next national budget comes into effect.
ZANIS