Windhoek: The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) on Friday announced that the government is in the process of enacting the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Bill. The UHC Bill seeks to establish a legal and institutional framework to ensure that all Namibians have access to essential health services without experiencing financial hardship.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the UHC Bill builds on the approved National Policy on Universal Health Coverage (2025) and integrates ongoing health financing reforms. These reforms include the National Health Equity Fund (NHEF) and the National Health Micro-Contribution (NHMC).

The objectives of the UHC Bill are to provide a comprehensive legal framework for equitable health financing and service delivery; to institutionalize the National Health Equity Fund as a sustainable mechanism for pooled funding and risk-sharing; and to clarify governance, accountability, and reporting obligations for UHC implementation.

The bill is also aimed at strengthening equity, efficiency, and quality across public and contracted private health service providers; and to enhance transparency and fiscal sustainability in alignment with national development and social protection goals.

The ministry has invited interested stakeholders and members of the public to submit inputs and comments on the Bill on or before 27 February 2026 to ensure that the final law reflects the needs and aspirations of all Namibians. Regional public consultation meetings will be conducted nationwide, commencing in February 2026, the statement said.