By Arnold Tutu
The National Health Insurance Management Authority -NHIMA- has introduced a new policy requiring all accredited healthcare providers to issue claim bills to members of the National Health Insurance Scheme -NHIS- each time they access medical services.
The measure, which takes effect on October 15, 2025, is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and member empowerment within the scheme.
In a statement issued to ZNBC in Lusaka, NHIMA Head Public Relations King Syacika said the move is part of its efforts to build trust in the scheme while ensuring that members remain well-informed about the healthcare services they receive.
Mr. Syacika said the claim bills will provide details of the medical services accessed and their corresponding costs covered by the scheme.
He said this will not only help members track their healthcare usage but also reduce cases of billing discrepancies.
According to the Authority, the initiative is anchored on Section 39(2) of the National Health Insurance Act No. 2 of 2018, which mandates NHIMA to implement monitoring systems that safeguard the integrity of the Fund.
And Mr. Syacika has urged all accredited health facilities to comply with the new requirement and called on NHIS members to demand their claim bills after every hospital visit.
He has further reminded the public that consistent contributions to the scheme are vital to ensuring its sustainability and guaranteeing access to quality healthcare services when needed.
