An Assessment of the Re-alignment of the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to the Ministry of Health

Abstract

This study aims to assess the re-alignment of the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the context of Zambia's healthcare system in pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The re-alignment, implemented as part of broader healthcare reforms, seeks to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This research will evaluate the implications of the realignment from organizational, policy, and service delivery perspectives. Specifically, it will explore how the re-alignment affects the governance, operational coordination, funding mechanisms, and the quality of services delivery within the National Health Insurance Scheme. Drawing on qualitative data reviews, the study will assess stakeholder perceptions, institutional challenges, and the impact on beneficiaries' access to healthcare services. The findings will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the re-alignment process, offering recommendations for optimizing the management of national health insurance in Zambia. The research will contribute to the broader discourse on health systems strengthening, particularly Health Insurance in pursuit of Universal Health Coverage. Keywords: National Health Insurance Scheme, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Ministry of Health, healthcare reform, health Insurance, Zambia, governance