The National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) successfully participated in the 2026 World Consumer Rights Day Commemoration held in Kabwe, Central Province. The event was marked by a series of impactful engagements aimed at raising awareness and improving public understanding of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The activities commenced with a briefing by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) team, which set the tone for the commemoration and outlined key objectives of the event. This was followed by a courtesy call on the Kabwe District Commissioner and the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Central Province, reinforcing stakeholder collaboration and government support for consumer protection initiatives.
As part of its outreach efforts, NHIMA actively engaged the public through multiple media platforms. The team featured on Spice FM, Power FM Kabwe, and KNC Radio, where they participated in interactive radio programs. These sessions allowed listeners to call in and raise concerns, ask questions, and seek clarification on various aspects of the NHIS. The radio engagements proved highly effective in educating the public on NHIMA’s mandate, as well as the benefits and entitlements available to members. Additionally, the team emphasized the importance of utilizing established complaint submission channels, a move aimed at enhancing transparency and building trust among members of the Scheme.
Speaking on Power Connect Radio program on Power FM, NHIMA Head of Public Relations Mr. King Syacika called on the public to report to the Authority on poor service delivery at accredited health facilities.
He said that the Authority relied on the public to act as its “eyes and ears” to ensure healthcare providers maintained the standards required under their contracts.
“The main objective of accrediting health facilities is to ensure that all Zambian citizens and established residents receive acceptable and quality healthcare services,” Mr. Syacika said.
In an effort to extend awareness to younger audiences, NHIMA conducted school outreach programs at Stephen Luwisha Girls Secondary School and Chindwin A Secondary School. These engagements provided an opportunity to sensitize learners on consumer rights and the importance of health insurance, fostering early awareness and encouraging informed future participation in the Scheme.
Preparations for the main event were finalized at the Mukuyu Tree venue, where NHIMA set up an exhibition stand. During the World Consumer Rights Day Exhibition, the Authority took full advantage of the high foot traffic by engaging members of the public directly. The team
provided detailed information about the Scheme, registered new members, and facilitated the addition of beneficiaries to existing memberships. This hands-on approach significantly contributed to increased visibility and uptake of NHIS services.
Overall, the commemoration event was a resounding success for NHIMA, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining community outreach, media engagement, and stakeholder collaboration.
However, a key concern consistently raised during both the radio programs and the exhibition was the absence of NHIMA-accredited pharmacies in Kabwe and Mkushi districts. This follows the de-accreditation of previously available facilities in these areas. Scheme members expressed frustration at being forced to purchase medication out-of-pocket, which contradicts one of the core benefits of being enrolled in the Scheme. This concern highlights the need for urgent attention to restore accessible pharmaceutical services for members in these districts.
In conclusion, NHIMA’s participation in the World Consumer Rights Day Commemoration not only enhanced public awareness but also provided valuable insights into the experiences and concerns of Scheme members, which will inform future improvements in service delivery.
