WINDHOEK, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's cabinet has approved a universal health coverage policy to ensure all citizens can access healthcare services without financial hardship, a senior official said Thursday.
Speaking at a media conference to announce the second set of cabinet decisions for 2025, Namibian Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus said the policy aims to ensure healthcare access for all Namibians at all times and in all parts of the country.
"Cabinet has directed an inter-ministerial committee, led by the Ministry of Works and Transport and including the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, and the National Planning Commission, to develop implementation and funding mechanisms," Theofelus said.
Namibia has been working toward universal health coverage in line with its Vision 2030 development plan and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The southern African country of about 3 million people provides free healthcare at public hospitals and clinics, but challenges remain in expanding access, particularly in rural areas.
The government has previously explored strategies such as a national health insurance scheme to improve service delivery and financial sustainability.
