By Arnold Tutu
The National Health Insurance Management Authority –NHIMA- says access to healthcare services for its members will continue without disruption following reports that a private clinic intends to withdraw from the scheme.
In a statement to the media, NHIMA Head of Public Relations, KING SYACIKA, said claims circulating on social media suggesting that private healthcare facilities are withdrawing services due to non-payment are false.
“We have not received any such notifications from other providers. In fact, numerous private facilities are actively seeking NHIMA accreditation,” SYACIKA said.
He said NHIMA currently works with more than 400 accredited healthcare providers, including public, private and faith-based facilities across the country.
Mr. SYACIKA added that the Authority continues to receive hundreds of applications from private healthcare facilities seeking accreditation under the scheme.
He said NHIMA had also identified a few Lusaka-based private facilities that have been limiting the number of NHIMA patients attended to each day.
However, Mr. SYACIKA said the Authority is engaging the identified facilities to address the matter and ensure members continue accessing services fairly.
He said the issue is among several matters discussed during a meeting held at NHIMA headquarters on April 27, 2026 between NHIMA management and the Healthcare Federation of Zambia, which represents private healthcare providers.
According to Mr. SYACIKA, the meeting focused on strengthening relations with healthcare facilities and ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery under the national insurance scheme.
He said the withdrawal of one private healthcare facility should not be used to cast doubt on the stability of the NHIMA scheme.
“NHIMA remains committed to ensuring access to affordable and quality healthcare services for all Zambians,” he said.
