Zimbabwe's NHI Bill nears completion

The long-awaited National Health Insurance Bill is edging closer to Cabinet and Parliament, with the draft law now undergoing peer review at the Attorney-General's Office, officials have confirmed.

Once enacted, the Bill will revolutionise Zimbabwe's health financing system, introducing a national insurance scheme designed to guarantee access to essential healthcare services for all citizens and residents - regardless of their income or employment status.

In an interview, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the drafting process was complete and that the Bill was currently being reviewed for legal soundness and alignment with existing legislation.

"The National Health Insurance Bill has moved forward," said Dr Mombeshora. "As you know, we completed the draft. It is now with the Attorney-General. Last week, I heard that they are waiting for what they call peer review, where other members give independent comments. After that, it will go to the Cabinet Committee on Legislation, then Cabinet, before tabling in Parliament."

Dr Mombeshora acknowledged that progress had been slower than anticipated, saying he had initially hoped the Bill would be before Parliament by the end of October. However, he expressed optimism that it could be tabled by the end of the year.

The proposed law is a cornerstone of the Government's drive to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, in line with National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr Mombeshora explained that the Bill aims to create a fair and inclusive health system that eliminates financial barriers to care.

"The whole purpose of coming up with the National Health Insurance Bill is to address the issue of access - equal access - to health services," he said. "Some people cannot afford even the US$2 consultation fee at a local clinic. We have had to segment our population into those who pay and those who don't, but that is not a fair system."

Under the proposed framework, the National Health Insurance (NHI) will establish a unified national fund that pools contributions from Government, employers, employees and the informal sector. The scheme is expected to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, promote equity in healthcare access and strengthen the country's resilience against future health crises.

The NHI initiative marks one of Zimbabwe's most ambitious health sector reforms since independence and is expected to play a vital role in achieving the country's Vision 2030 of an inclusive and prosperous upper middle-income society.