Meanwhile the government is also screening the list of people who currently have free basic health insurance (BAZO). Minister Misiekaba explained that too many people have a BAZO card even though they have the money to pay for their own health insurance. “Not everybody with a BAZO card belongs in the system,” said Misiekaba. According to Minister Misiekaba, residents from various districts and the hinterland often complain that medical services are not available on a daily basis which is why they have to travel all the way to the capital. Minister Misiekaba explained that the Medische Zending currently plays a crucial role in the hinterland and he therefore expressed his appreciation for the fact that the nurses and other health workers often provide medical treatment under difficult circumstances. The government acknowledges that regional healthcare requires further strengthening which is why it is essential to invest in hospitals in the districts so that they could provide medical treatment in case of an emergency. The government plans to build a hospital at Atjoni for the people of the hinterland.

It also plans on expanding the capacity of the Mungra Medical Center (MMC) that is currently facing a shortage of personnel. Besides referring to the challenges in the health sector the minister also mentioned the financial pressure that is created by the free basic healthcare insurance. Although the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing (Sozavo) in in charge of the distribution of BAZO cards, the Health Ministry notices the consequences in the health sector. Minister Misiekaba emphasized that a thorough cleanup of the system is necessary because there are still people who do not belong in it. He explained that the people do not belong in it because they earn a high income that enables them to cover their own health insurance. “There are people who can pay their own health insurance but who do not do so,” said Minister Misiekaba who added that these people must be removed from the system so that the available resources go to the people who actually depend on health insurance that is covered by the government.