Health Insurance Scheme for integration into National plan

Stakeholders in the health sector have met to review the social health insurance scheme for its integration into the National Strategic plan for the financial year 2007/08 to 2011/2012.

The scheme seeks to reduce the medical costs in the country and increase public access to quality and reliable medical services.

The scheme was drafted by the ministry of health and approved by cabinet in 1999 following public outcry for improved accessibility to quality medical services in the country.

The scheme also comes against the backdrop of the under funded health sector which has affected its performance for years. In the budget statement for the financial year 2007/2008, the health sector was under funded by 50%.

According to ministry of health, the public has been affected by barriers that have restricted their access to health services such as the unpredictable health cost burden on individuals.

The Social Health Insurance scheme however seeks to encourage people saves for medical care, ensure access to quality care as well as reduce mortality and morbidity. The health ministry intends to conduct public consultation on the scheme starting July 2009.

The scheme also targets workers who will be required to make monthly, quarterly or annual contributions depending on the member's revenue at a rate of 4 -10 % of the salary.

The contribution will be covering four dependants and services accessed using a social health insurance card. The insurance scheme will then be integrated into a new health bill under formulation for presentation to parliament.

During the meeting, the Uganda Aids Commission demanded that the HIV/AIDS be integrated in the national planning as a priority area. According to ministry of health, AIDS remains a public health challenge with 2.6 million people infected with the virus.

Currently only 120,000 people are on anti retroviral drugs but the ministry of health plans to increase access to over 330,000 people within the next three years.