Africa-Press – Gambia. The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has provided key updates to the media on the ongoing development and implementation of The Gambia’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
During a press conference held on Wednesday in Bijilo, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging the information gap between the state and its citizens. He underlined the ministry’s role in ensuring the public receives timely and accurate information through proactive communication efforts.
“Proactive disclosure is central to our mandate,” Dr. Ceesay stated. “Through our monthly press briefings and weekly Mansa Kunda meetings, the government creates vital opportunities to engage directly with the public and understand their concerns.”
Director General of the National Health Insurance Scheme Authority, Bai Mass Saine, described the scheme as a bold and transformative initiative established by an act of Parliament with a clear mission to manage and implement national health insurance across the country.
“The government’s initiative is a critical step toward achieving universal health coverage,” said DG Saine. “Since the scheme’s rollout, over 29,000 people have been enrolled, actively benefiting from maternal and child health services delivered through 169 health facilities nationwide.”
He highlighted that the NHIS provides more than access to healthcare it also offers peace of mind for families. Saine also acknowledged the vital support of the World Bank and the government, emphasizing that their contributions have been instrumental in the scheme’s progress.
Membership Manager at the NHIA, Alieu Sowe, explained that while every resident of The Gambia is eligible to participate under the National Health Insurance Act, the digital enrollment system has faced initial challenges. Because insurance cards are linked to birth certificates, some Gambians and non-Gambians have encountered difficulties due to additional documentation requirements.
“The digital system was designed to ensure accountability and transparency,” Sowe said. “However, these linked requirements have caused some enrollment delays, which we are actively working to resolve.”
The Director of Services, Dr. Hassan Njie, revealed that in July 2023, the NHIA began piloting the scheme at Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital, chosen for its ambition to become a specialist center for maternal and child health.
Due to budget limitations, Dr. Njie explained that the scheme prioritized the most vulnerable groups women admitted for delivery and newborns. Based on lessons from the pilot, the NHIA expanded coverage to 12 health facilities, representing about 50% of all deliveries nationwide. The Sheikh Zayed Eye Care Centre was the only facility excluded in this phase.
He also noted that tariffs for services in publicly subsidized facilities would differ from those in private facilities. Currently, the focus remains on public health centers as part of a gradual rollout.
Despite the challenges, the ministry and the NHIA expressed confidence in the scheme’s progress and reiterated their commitment to ensuring that every resident of The Gambia has access to affordable, quality healthcare under the national insurance policy.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
