'Include community health insurance in national scheme'

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Health experts have proposed the formal integration of community health insurance into the National Health Insurance Scheme, saying it needs to be part of the structure that is regulated.

Dr Samuel Orach, the executive secretary of the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau, emphasizes the necessity of involving grassroots communities, not solely salaried individuals or business owners, but also those who can contribute small amounts.

Orach says these contributions should be minimal, considering that some community members may not afford larger packages the Government needs to contribute both to preventive and curative health services.

According to him, the National Health Insurance Scheme is significant in broadening the healthcare funding base.

Orach says the scheme doesn't exempt the Government from its responsibility to finance the health sector but encourages individuals to take ownership of their health by contributing to their healthcare expenses.

Dr Julius Luyimbazi, the executive director of Rubaga Hospital, highlighted the plight of Ugandans grappling with out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. He mentioned the considerable number of patients needing services but unable to afford them, advocating for healthcare financing through insurance to ensure accessibility.

An ailing nation cannot develop

During the 125-year Jubilee Inaugural Ceremony and Annual Health Assembly at Rubaga Training School Health, State Minister Hanifa Kawooya assured that the Bill had reached its final stages. She cautioned that a nation cannot progress with an ailing population unable to afford healthcare, emphasizing that the Bill signifies an improvement in health services.

In Uganda, approximately 39% of healthcare expenditure comes from out-of-pocket payments, falling below the international threshold target of $86 per person set by the World Health Organisation. Without health insurance, achieving universal health coverage is challenging, as recognised by the WHO.

Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng stated that families would contribute at least shillings 15, 000 monthly per household member to the health insurance pool if the proposed National Health Insurance Scheme Bill is approved by the Cabinet.

Accreditation

Meanwhile, Lubaga Hospital has been accredited by the Council for Health Services Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA).

This makes the facility the second internationally accredited hospital in Uganda.

The accreditation required the hospital to undergo a very rigorous process of improving its services.

It meant that various aspects of the services in terms of safety, effectiveness, human resources, equipment, and the way the services are provided were all assessed over the last four years.

Catholic Archbishop of Kampala Paul Ssemogerere commended the facility's founders for their inspiration from God and Jesus Christ in establishing the hospital, which is the second oldest in Uganda.

He stressed that being a medical professional or nurse is a divine gift, urging healthcare workers not to take it for granted but to share this gift with those in need.

He said through the hospital the church can reach out to the sick and heal them.