IT is soothing to hear that Government is working on a more flexible and efficient health care system that will ease the health care burden that the Zambian society has been grappling with for years.
This is according to Health Deputy Minister, Chitalu Chilufya’s announcement in Lusaka yesterday.
For so many years, the country has been yearning for a sufficiently rolled out health service provision system to readily cater for urgent health needs in the country, but realisation of this dream has been at a snail’s pace if not altogether elusive.
With the Edgarcare, similar to the US’s Obamacare, patients will access health services at any health care institution without producing cash.
This strategy is coming as part of the National Health Policy component on healthcare financing, which will see the Government introduce the National Social Health Insurance Scheme (Edgarcare).
It will move away from donor dependence and avoid putting financing pressure on the Treasury as it strives to meet the needs of the health sector.
Considering that the health sector gobbles up a significant portion from the National Budget every year, it would be prudent to come up with a very proactive method of financing the new scheme so that it is not only attainable but sustainable as well.
In view of this, the State must be commended for the strategy which will entail Government workers contributing some minimal amounts every month towards this noble cause.
There can be no better way of enhancing service provision and financing than the participation of important stakeholders such as Government workers because at the end of the day, they will be the ones to benefit.
If this approach does not signify good care for the citizenry, then it is quite difficult to appreciate good gesture from the Government.
The Government has amply demonstrated its heart for the people and this really demonstrates its acknowledgement that leaders are servants of the people who put them into office.
This will greatly help to mitigate the pressure that people face when in dire need of health care even without cash in their pocket.