MINISTRY OF HEALTH PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR PSPF'S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AGENDA

The Ministry of Health has pledged its support for the Public Service Pensions Fund’s (PSPF) digital transformation agenda, describing it as a game changer in pension management.

Speaking when he received a donation of a modern scanner from PSPF at the Ministry Headquarters in Lusaka on October 23, 2024, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, highlighted the challenges retirees face due to manual submission of files and expressed confidence the scanner will help streamline the submission process of pensioners' files.

Dr. Lishimpi acknowledged that delayed file submissions have been a longstanding issue, not just for the Ministry of Health but for other government institutions caused by manual processes, which, with this new digitization effort spearheaded by PSPF, will soon become a thing of the past.

He noted that the improved file processing using the digital scanner will help in meeting the presidential directive to pay benefits within three months of retirement, ultimately safeguarding retirees from falling into destitution.

Dr. Lishimpi further emphasized that the scanner will boost the Ministry of Health's own digital transformation agenda, which aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of healthcare service delivery in Zambia.

Speaking at the handover, PSPF Chief Executive Officer Mr. Francis Pindani Nyirenda, represented by Director of Pension Administration Ms. Sampa Barbara Kangwa, praised the Ministry of Health for being one of the first institutions to submit digital files to PSPF.

Ms. Kangwa outlined several benefits of digital file submission, including faster removal of individuals from the separatees payroll, reduced processing times, and overall improved efficiency in service delivery.

The Ministry of Health joins other recipients of the scanners namely; the Ministry of Education, Zambia Police Service and Public Service Management Division (PSMD) enabling the digital submission of pension files for faster processing of benefits for retired public service employees.