TALC advises govt to maintain Free Medical Programme

Felix Mwanza

Treatment Advocacy and Literacy Campaign (TALC) has advised government to maintain its commitment to the Free Medical Programme (FMP).

TALC National Coordinator Felix Mwanza has observed that any future plans to merge the FMP with an National Health Scheme should not compromise the existing entitlements to free health care or involve the re-introduction of user fees.

Mr. Mwanza has however told Q-news that the success of the Free Medical Programme is threatened by chronic shortages of trained health workers and persistent drug stock-outs.

He feels that government should address these issues and adequately resource the health sector to meet the bold commitments made to voters two years ago of providing free medical programme.

And Mr. Mwanza feels more time is needed for a proper public consultation on the National Health Insurance bill.

He has since encouraged the government to consider engaging stakeholders in a participatory process to finalize and implement a comprehensive health financing policy for the Health sector before going ahead with the enactment of the National Health Insurance Bill.