Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-04-17 09:44:32
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) recently announced its commitment to providing medical supply support to 13 health facilities across the country. The signing ceremony took place at the Senegambia Beach Hotel on a Monday. The beneficiary health facilities included prominent hospitals such as Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), Kanifing General Hospital, Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital, Brikama District Hospital, and others.
In addition to these health facilities, the NHIA extended its support to various Regional Health Directorates across the country. The Chief Executive Officer of NHIA emphasized the agency’s sense of direction and dedication to achieving its goals. He highlighted the lessons learned from Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital, stating that those would be applied to all other health facilities benefiting from the medical equipment support provided by the NHIA.
Abdoulie Mam Sait Njie, representing the Project Coordinating Unit (CPU) and the World Bank, expressed confidence in the success of the pilot project at Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital. He stressed the importance of judiciously using the medical supplies to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in healthcare delivery.
Dr. Omar Jah, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, explained the establishment of the NHIA and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The NHIS aims to provide quality healthcare services to the population without causing financial hardship. Dr. Jah highlighted the Ministry’s efforts in initiating activities to realize the objectives of the scheme, including the recruitment of relevant staff and the development of a Benefits Package for the NHIS.
The Ministry of Health and NHIA worked together to pilot the NHIS at Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital, gathering valuable lessons for the phased roll-out of the scheme. Dr. Jah commended the support of partners, including the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, the World Bank, and the dedicated staff of NHIA for their commitment and hard work.
Overall, the establishment of the NHIA and the NHIS represents a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in The Gambia. The collaboration between government agencies, international partners, and healthcare providers is essential in ensuring the successful implementation and sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
As the NHIA continues to provide support to health facilities and communities across the country, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together towards the common goal of improving access to quality healthcare services for all citizens. Through effective collaboration and strategic planning, the NHIS has the potential to transform the healthcare landscape in The Gambia, ensuring better health outcomes and financial protection for all.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
