THE decision by government to increase contributions to the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) is a step in the right direction. It is a difficult but necessary call, one that acknowledges the painful truth: a healthcare insurance scheme cannot deliver quality services without adequate financing. For too long, NHIMA has operated under a flawed model, where those who contribute the least benefit the most, and those who pay the most are often underserved. While the upward revision of contributions is necessary for the scheme’s survival, it is only one part of the solution. For NHIMA to become effective, efficient and equitable, a comprehensive restructuring is required. Without that, increased contributions will merely pour more money into a leaking bucket....
