The National Assembly last Thursday adopted the report of the select committee on health, disaster, humanitarian relief, and refugees study tour of Rwanda.
During the presentation of the report by the committee’s chairperson Amadou Camara lawmaker representing Nianinjastated that “under section 109(2) of the 1997 Constitution and Orders 97 and 103(15) of the Standing Orders, Committees of the National Assembly are mandated to investigate matters of public interest within their remit and report to the plenary.”
Adding that in light of this, the committee embarked on a study tour to further understand Rwanda’s civil service reforms and its health insurance scheme with a view of ensuring a more efficient and effective health care system and good governance practices for The Gambia.“
The delegation also engaged in productive discussions with their Rwandan counterparts from various key institutions in the country, among which includes the Ministry of Health, Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), Ministry of Public Services and Labor, Ministry of Finance and Health Facilities. During these engagements, the two countries shared experiences, and challenges, and explored avenues for future collaboration in achieving the desired health and governance system envisaged,” he explained.
According to him, the committee recommended fostering cross-party collaboration by creating a bipartisan task force that will advocate for and oversee the implementation of National Health Insurance, ensuring that it is recognized as a long-term national priority and gaining broader political support.
Honourable Camara also suggested that the government should take ownership by creating a standardized framework for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that ensures consistent funding, transparency, skilled personnel, accessible infrastructure, and continuous evaluation to deliver equitable, high-quality healthcare nationwide.
The Committee’s Chairperson also called on the government to conduct extensive public education campaigns to inform citizens about the benefits, coverage options, and responsibilities associated with the NHI to foster acceptance and participation.
“Develop a sustainable funding model that includes multiple sources, such as government funding, employer contributions, and individual premiums, to ensure financial viability,” he stated.
Hon. Camara maintained that the government should promote an integrated approach to healthcare delivery that includes preventive care, primary care, and specialized services to improve overall health outcomes. “Invest in digital health technologies to streamline enrolment, claims processing, and data management, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for users.”
It will be recalled that the government of The Gambia in its efforts aimed at providing quality and accessible social services to its people, enacted the National Health Insurance Act in 2021, the ACT established the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).