By Ndey Sowe
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is set to roll out the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to 54 additional public health facilities across The Gambia, with full implementation expected by March 2025.
This expansion marks a significant step toward achieving universal healthcare coverage and ensuring that every Gambian has access to quality, affordable medical services.
Bai Mass Saine, CEO of NHIA, emphasized that the NHIS is designed to protect residents from the financial burden of healthcare.
“Our goal is to create a system where no one is left behind, where every resident, regardless of their background or status, can receive the healthcare they need without financial hassle,” he stated.
Following a successful pilot program at Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital (BMCH) in June 2023, NHIA has signed performance contracts with 12 additional health facilities, including Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Kanifing General Hospital, Bwiam General Hospital, Farafenni General Hospital, Bansang General Hospital, and several district and minor health centers. Additionally, NHIA has partnered with all Regional Health Directorates to facilitate the scheme’s implementation nationwide.
To provide updates on NHIA’s initiatives and outline the next steps in healthcare expansion, the agency held a press conference on February 27, 2025, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center. The event brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, healthcare providers, development partners, and the media to discuss the progress of NHIS and its impact on national healthcare coverage.
The NHIS, introduced in 2021, is a government initiative providing free healthcare services, including maternal health care and delivery services—both normal and cesarean section deliveries—for enrolled women. The scheme aims to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and improve health outcomes across the country.
During the press conference, Alieu Sowe, NHIA’s Scheme Membership and Enrollment Process Manager, detailed the enrollment process, emphasising the mandatory registration policy.
“A resident of The Gambia shall register with the scheme within two years of the coming into force of the National Insurance Act 2021, and a resident in The Gambia who is not a member of a private health insurance scheme shall be a member of the scheme,” he explained.
Dr. Hassan Njie, Director of Services, provided an overview of NHIA’s progress and plans, while Stella Ywson Jatta, Senior Nursing Officer and NHIS Focal Person at Kanifing General Hospital, highlighted real-life examples of how the scheme has positively impacted mothers and children. She urged NHIA to expand its benefits nationwide to ensure more communities can access essential healthcare services.
NHIA is also prioritising digital transformation through the E-NHIS platform to enhance service delivery and efficiency. The agency continues to advocate for public-private partnerships to strengthen the healthcare system, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.
With this planned expansion, NHIA remains committed to making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Gambians, reinforcing the country’s progress toward universal health coverage.
