National health insurance still in planning

MBABANE – Government was still seeking funding for a feasibility study to determine how Eswatini’s proposed National Health Insurance Scheme should operate.

The Ministry of Health had not completed the study when government submitted its responses to the United Nations (UN) Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The admission raises questions about when the proposed insurance scheme could become operational.

According to the report, the Health Financing Strategy 2025–2030 provides the framework for establishing the scheme.

Government launched the strategy in 2025.

However, the ministry was still mobilising resources for the feasibility study in July 2026.

The study is intended to identify the most suitable healthcare financing model for Eswatini.

Government said the proposed scheme would require consultations with healthcare providers, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders.

Government said the scheme forms part of efforts to strengthen healthcare financing.

According to the submission, the country provides free primary healthcare and subsidised curative services.

However, the proposed insurance arrangement would require a financing model whose structure had not been finalised.

During the UN committee’s review on November 3, government reaffirmed its commitment to universal health coverage.

Committee experts also commended the country’s progress in responding to HIV while raising questions about the effects of reduced funding.

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