Established under the NHI Act, this program provides universal health coverage by integrating public and private healthcare services, making care affordable and removing the need for out-of-pocket payments at the point of service.
What is NHI and How Does it Work?
The NHI consolidates healthcare financing by pooling funds, allowing residents to access comprehensive services, regardless of income. Contributions to the fund are based on earnings, ensuring affordability across income levels. Patients can access medical services without direct payment as costs are covered by the NHI Fund.
Key Objectives of NHI
- Equitable Access: Reducing disparities between private and public healthcare.
- Affordability: Covering costs through pooled funds and contributions, easing financial burdens on families.
- Quality of Care: Increasing healthcare quality across facilities, supported by regulatory reforms.
- Integrated System: Merging public and private sectors, improving efficiency.
Implementation Timeline and Phases
The NHI rollout spans several years, with Phase 1 (2023–2026) focusing on foundational reforms and pilot projects, followed by Phase 2 (2026–2028), where services will expand as funding allows. This gradual approach ensures thorough testing, system enhancement, and nationwide readiness for full implementation by 2028.
How Will NHI Benefit Residents?
For patients, NHI offers peace of mind by removing out-of-pocket expenses at hospitals, promoting preventative care, and enabling timely interventions. Healthcare professionals will benefit from a unified system, with better resources and support.