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The Healthcare Federation of Zambia (HFZ) has called on the government to streamline licensing procedures in the health sector—potentially consolidating them under a single body such as the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ)—to enhance efficiency and reduce delays.
HFZ Vice President, Kennedy Saini, said the current system, which involved multiple licensing requirements, creates duplication, inefficiencies, and unnecessary delays in the operation and establishment of health facilities.
Saini made the remarks on the sidelines of the 3rd Utafiti Sera Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Convening, hosted by the Centre for Reproductive Health and Education with support from the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR).
He also pointed to limited access to tailored funding for health sector actors as a major constraint, attributing it to the sector’s classification as a social sector rather than an economic one.
“By recognizing the health sector’s economic potential, policymakers can develop targeted funding mechanisms and support job creation, ultimately contributing to the sector’s growth and development,” Saini said.
He noted that repositioning the health sector as an economic driver could unlock opportunities for investment, employment, and innovation, especially in private healthcare delivery.
Saini highlighted the lack of sector-specific financing packages, stating that, unlike sectors such as agriculture or manufacturing, the health sector lacked access to customized funding tools, which limits growth and operational capacity.
“Developing financing packages similar to those available to other industries could help address this challenge,” he emphasized.
Saini further identified delayed payments from public and private insurance providers as a significant operational challenge for private health facilities, impacting their financial health and ability to deliver services efficiently.
He also pointed to a disconnect between the public and private sectors, which he said hampers collaboration and coordinated health delivery.
“There is a need to establish a clear point of contact within the Ministry of Health,” Saini said, adding that a high-level decision-making body including both public and private sector stakeholders could facilitate meaningful dialogue and joint planning.
He advocated for regular engagement between the two sectors to promote collaboration, identify shared goals, and ultimately improve healthcare outcomes for Zambians.
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