GOVERNANCE and policy activist Kelvin Chisanga has urged the government to urgently establish a medical trust fund to safeguard the country’s healthcare system in the wake of declining external support and changing global health financing dynamics.
In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Chisanga said the nation needed a robust and shock-absorbent health financing model to ensure continued access to quality care and protection against public health emergencies.
“Zambia’s health sector urgently needs a serious shock absorber and strong policy reforms,” he said.
“The establishment of a medical trust fund will help address major challenges threatening the sustainability of our healthcare system,” Mr Chisanga said.
Mr Chisanga noted that global funding shifts had weakened the country’s healthcare financing pool, particularly for the fight against critical diseases, warning that future national budgets may see reduced allocations to health, despite recent years seeing relatively higher shares.
“The removal of some key healthcare interventions has created glaring gaps, especially in managing terminal illnesses,” he said. “We must act now to avoid further deterioration,” he said.
Mr Chisanga said a medical trust fund, accessible to all stakeholders, would complement the National Health Insurance Management Authority and enhance healthcare delivery by providing additional resources for critical services, equipment, and pharmaceuticals.
“Such a facility can operate as a special vehicle to uplift and support the health sector. It should be built on transparency, accountability, and strategic governance to restore the confidence of both local and international partners,” he said.
Mr Chisanga said the trust fund would serve not only as a financing mechanism but also as a confidence-building platform to attract new investments and support from cooperating partners.“The health sector is a vital social welfare pillar that cuts across all levels of society. Without proper financing, we risk undermining progress and reversing the gains made in recent years,” he warned.
