In a press briefing held on June 8, 2026, in Akanda, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Franck Nguema, advocated for a significant transformation of the National Health Insurance and Social Guarantee Fund (CNAMGS). Addressing the discussions sparked by the World Health Organization (WHO) 2025 report, Nguema clarified that the organization does not view the institution as fraudulent. Instead, he emphasized that the findings highlight a critical need for immediate systemic improvements to ensure citizens receive the care they deserve.
While Gabon has achieved a commendable administrative milestone by enrolling approximately 76% of its citizens, Nguema pointed out that registration alone is insufficient. The current reality for many insured individuals involves significant hurdles, including difficulties in consulting specialists, obtaining essential medications, and securing timely hospital admissions. This disconnect between being “covered” on paper and receiving actual treatment is causing widespread dissatisfaction and eroding public trust in the social protection framework.
Prioritising effective healthcare delivery
To bridge this gap, Franck Nguema proposes a shift toward a “national guarantee of effective medical coverage.” He argues that the success of CNAMGS should no longer be measured by the volume of insurance cards issued. Instead, the focus must move toward tangible outcomes, such as real-time access to physicians, the consistent availability of pharmacy stocks, reduced waiting periods for procedures, and a decrease in out-of-pocket expenses for families.
This proposed evolution represents a fundamental change in how the health insurance fund operates. By centering its mission on actual health outcomes, CNAMGS can become a more powerful tool for poverty reduction and social equity. The former minister urged authorities to embrace this ambitious reform, turning a bureaucratic success into a functional medical reality for all Gabonese people.
