Health Expert, Teddy Mulenga, has urged insurance companies to conduct rigorous inspections of health facilities they accredit.
Dr. Mulenga says such measures would deter healthcare providers from mismanaging funds, which has led to financial constraints in certain health schemes.
He was reacting to the proposal by Health Care Federation of Zambia, that one to two percent sin tax which include gambling, cigarettes and alcohol should be channeled to National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) to help with financial challenges.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, Mr. Mulenga however argued that taxing these industries is not the right solution but Instead, called for NHIMA to thoroughly investigate the root causes of the current financial crisis its facing.
“If the root cause is not found, the financial challenges will persist and NHIMA is facing these difficulties because some health facilities are submitting exaggerated claims,” said Dr. Mulenga.
He urged NHIMA to take decisive action by suspending those found guilty of fraudulent activities to prevent future occurrences.
By Christabel Kamunu
