Logo
International Journal of
Advanced Scientific Research

Search

ARCHIVES
VOL. 10, ISSUE 4 (2025)
National Health Insurance and the quality of maternal and reproductive health services: Evidence from Zambia
Authors
Burnwell Mulenga, Tizta Tilahun Degfie
Abstract

Background: A crucial requirement for the advancement of women's development is the enhancement of maternal and reproductive health. Since 1991, the Zambian government has made tackling healthcare issues a priority. Among the measures implemented, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has been a significant emphasis. Created by the National Health Insurance Act No. 2 of 2018, the scheme is overseen by the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA). This study intends to assess the contribution of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to the quality of maternal and reproductive health services in Zambia.

Methods: The study employed a quantitative research approach, using a descriptive cross-sectional design to assess the contribution of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to the quality of maternal and reproductive health services in Zambia. A simple random sampling method was applied to select participants, and Cochran's formula was used to calculate a sample size of 320 NIHS policyholders. Data were collected using a well-structured self-administered questionnaire. Data were then cleaned, coded, and analyzed using Stata 14.0. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent ensured confidentiality and voluntary participation.

Results: The study indicates that NHIS policyholders' satisfaction with the nurse-to-doctor ratio is moderately positive, with 47% satisfied and 39% neutral. However, 14% expressed dissatisfaction, which suggests room for improvement in interpersonal interactions. Alarmingly, 46% of respondents were dissatisfied with the doctor-patient ratio. This raises concerns about the quality of care and doctors' ability to provide adequate attention to each patient. While satisfaction ratings indicate a mixed response, the relatively high percentage of neutral responses — 47% for imaging services and 36% for general patient care — highlights potential uncertainty or variability in services. Continuous training and quality assurance programs could help improve perceptions in these areas. On the other hand, the high dissatisfaction rate (50%) concerning patient waiting time indicates a significant area for improvement. The quality of care directly impacts maternal and reproductive health outcomes, highlighting the need for ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure and workforce training.

Conclusions: As Zambia continues to work toward its health objectives, findings suggest that implementing the NHIS has positively contributed to the quality of maternal and reproductive services. However, several challenges remain that require urgent attention, including limited coverage, especially in rural areas, inadequate medical facilities, and a shortage of healthcare personnel, which hinder the overall effectiveness of the scheme. Additionally, concerns about the quality of care underscore the need for systemic reforms to ensure that all women can access reliable and comprehensive healthcare services. Addressing these challenges, the NHIS can enhance its impact and improve health outcomes for mothers and their children in Zambia.
Download
Pages:84-89
How to cite this article:
Burnwell Mulenga, Tizta Tilahun Degfie "National Health Insurance and the quality of maternal and reproductive health services: Evidence from Zambia". International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research, Vol 10, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 84-89
Download Author Certificate

Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.