State hospitals court medical aid patients

The government is positioning upgraded private wards at public hospitals as a new source of revenue, banking on medical aid beneficiaries and cash-paying patients to help fund improvements in Namibia's healthcare system.

Health ministry executive director Penda Ithindi said the initiative is aimed at generating additional income that will be reinvested into public healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, service delivery and maintenance programmes.

"Through this exercise, government aims to generate additional revenue from medical aid beneficiaries and cash-paying patients, which will be reinvested in public healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, service delivery, and maintenance programmes," Ithindi told Namibian Sun.

The upgraded private wards are being rolled out at Windhoek Central Hospital, Katutura Intermediate Hospital, Rundu Intermediate Hospital, Keetmanshoop District Hospital, Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, Swakopmund Hospital Complex and Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen public healthcare while reducing pressure on state resources through the recovery of costs from patients covered by medical aid schemes and those able to pay for services.

Billing framework approved

To support the programme, Cabinet has approved the alignment of health ministry tariffs with those of the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS) and the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds for inpatient and non-hospitalisation services provided at public hospitals.

According to Ithindi, the move creates a standardised billing framework and paves the way for the integration of medical aid beneficiaries into the public healthcare system.

The ministry believes the initiative could unlock significant revenue while expanding access to healthcare services and improving the quality of care available at public facilities.

Preparing for paying patients

As part of preparations, the ministry has trained customer care and help desk officers, matrons and facility managers to manage the expected influx of medical aid beneficiaries and private patients.

Refresher training focused on communication, patient flow management, referral systems and customer service standards.

"Refresher training was also conducted specifically for customer care officers to strengthen their ability to manage and integrate PSEMAS beneficiaries into the public healthcare system," Ithindi said.

The ministry has also procured equipment and furniture for the wards, including delivery beds, ultrasound machines, vital-signs monitors, anaesthetic machines and suction machines.

Additional specialised technologies and services will be introduced progressively based on operational requirements and available resources.

Positive response

Ithindi said early indications suggest strong interest from potential users.

A baseline survey conducted in March among PSEMAS beneficiaries found many respondents willing to use public healthcare facilities for specialist consultations, outpatient services, diagnostic investigations and emergency care.

A follow-up survey will be conducted once the wards are fully operational to assess patient experiences and utilisation patterns.

Although no separate staffing structure has been created for the private wards, existing doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals within the public health system will provide services.

The ministry is continuing to recruit specialists and other critical healthcare personnel, while also allowing private medical practitioners to admit and manage their patients at designated state facilities.

Ithindi said the broader goal is to create a stronger and more sustainable healthcare system capable of delivering quality services to all Namibians.

The renovated wards also form part of Namibia's long-term universal health coverage agenda, with government hoping that revenue generated from paying patients will help improve healthcare services across the public sector.