Dear Colleagues,
One of NPPF’s biggest concerns remains the actions of statutory bodies that disadvantage the practitioner–patient relationship. We continue to engage with role players, including NAMAF, to move away from a funder–administrator model without an ethical framework, towards a patient–provider inclusive model with shared ethical obligations.
A key barrier to fairness is the NAMAF Benchmark Tariff, which has been adjusted to benefit Funds and Administrators, producing a surplus of N$ 229.7 million for the Funds — a figure expected to grow by year-end. These surpluses are not due to reduced utilisation, but to a “pay more, get less” strategy NAMAF devised for the Funds in 2023. Meanwhile, ICD-10 and NAPPI codes are enforced on practitioners as Fraud, Waste and Abuse controls — imposing obligations on practitioners but none on NAMAF, Funds, or Administrators.
To create a different and ethical framework, we need independent, evidence-based data on the real cost of running a practice. This is not about what you earn — it’s about what it costs to provide care. Without this data, we cannot challenge the Benchmark Tariff effectively or secure fair remuneration.
Right now, the statistically significant participation threshold has not been reached — especially participation of General Practitioners outside the Khomas Region remain too low.
If you have ever experienced frustration about NAMAF’s overreach, the most impactful step you can take is to complete the HealthMan cost study today.
The NPPF does not currently have the financial resources to engage in prolonged court battles to address the numerous alleged Article 18 violations. However, we can strengthen practitioners’ position — independent of NAMAF and the Funds — by equipping ourselves with indisputable data.
For the first time since 2015, the Ministry of Finance has indicated that it is reviewing PSEMAS tariffs. The Ministry also confirmed, in the New Era Article, that the number of contracted healthcare providers is increasing — further evidence that the influx of practitioners into the private healthcare system continues unabated. This underscores the importance of accurate tariff determinations to calculate sustainability quotas, an aspect which, to date, has been entirely overlooked by both the HPCNA and NAMAF. https://neweralive.na/psemas-tariffs-reform-on-the-cards/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMIHgBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtKyCoohxZCh5YlSgnGTNIaieUZGZOAj69oq00jVZauLSd2ogBLieSx7yOX3_aem_XNpn_iFthk17MRQQscoW4w
Please make time to complete the cost study and email your information to surveys@healthman.co.za Your voice — and your numbers — matter.
Support us, so we can support you.
Contact us if you require the surveys to be sent to you or visit our website
Reach us at nppf.info
Or email : team@nppf.info
Kind regards
The NPPF Team
Dr Jürgen Hoffmann
CEO: NAMIBIA PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS FORUM
Cell: 081 1242884
Email: nppfmanagement@gmail.com
