LUSAKA, May 22 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Wednesday announced a reduction in registration fees for investors seeking to set up facilities in the health sector in a bid to attract more private investment.
Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo said the fees charged by the Health Professions Council of Zambia for the approval and licensing of medical institutions have been a burden on investors and hindered more private investment in the sector.
"Some investors have expressed interest in putting up healthcare facilities in rural and remote areas, either through mobile health services or the actual construction of static health facilities. However, high fees for opening new health facilities can be an obstacle," she said during a press briefing.
The minister expressed optimism that the reduction in registration fees will attract more private investment in the healthcare sector, resulting in the introduction of new and advanced medical technologies for efficiency and better patient outcomes.
She said the government recognizes that the provision of quality healthcare services requires many players in the health sector, hence the need to provide a conducive environment to stimulate private sector investment.
According to her, reducing the fees has the potential to improve compliance with healthcare standards among health facilities and health professionals.
