New National Health Plan and Medscheme premises inaugurated

The Minister of Finance, Calle Schlettwein this week inaugurated the National Health Plan (NHP) and Medscheme’s new premises.

During the inauguration, the minister noted that the investment in the premises is illustrative of the growth opportunities in the medical aid fund industry and confidence in the domestic economy.

He added that that this investment outlay contributes to increased access to quality health care services for the members and the human development index for Namibia.

“The services to be offered from these premises contribute to the improved quality of life and the national sustainable development agenda which places people, partnerships and prosperity at the centre of development,” Schlettwein said.

Schlettwein applauded the medical aid fund industry and service providers for effective partnership, cooperation and support which enable us to find solutions, overcome challenges and seize emerging opportunities in financing healthcare services.

“We take pride from the fact that our private health system is largely self-reliant in terms of funding. This is, however, concentrated and caters for about 14% of the population, with the public healthcare having to contend with just over 80% of the population,” Schlettwein stressed.

Furthermore, the minister noted that government has implemented a conducive policy environment in support of the medical aid funds industry development and transformation objectives, adding that these policy provisions are contained in the Financial Sector Strategy as well as the FIM Bill, which he intends on tabling early this year.

“Financial and prudential aspects of medical aid funds will continue to be regulated under Namfisa, while medical related matters will be administered under the envisaged Medical Aid Control Board law. Industry support and partnerships are important in realizing the objectives engendered in these legislations,” he added.