scholarly journals In search of universal health coverage – highlighting the accessibility of health care to students with disabilities in Ghana: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Abodey ◽  
Irene Vanderpuye ◽  
Isaac Mensah ◽  
Eric Badu
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
The Government ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract Background: Accessibility of health care to students with disabilities is a global concern. This is no less important in Ghana, however, to date, no study has been undertaken regarding access to health care to students with disabilities. This study, therefore, aims to explore the accessibility of health care to students with disabilities, in the quest of achieving universal health coverage in Ghana. Methods: Qualitative methods, involving in-depth interviews were employed to collect data from 54 participants (29 students with disabilities, 17 health workers and 8 school mothers), selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results : The study identified three themes – accessibility, adequacy, and affordability. The study findings highlighted that universal health coverage for students with disabilities has not been achieved due to barriers in accessing health care. The barriers faced by students with disabilities were unfriendly physical environments, structures, equipment, limited support services and poor health insurance policy to finance health care. Conclusion : The study concludes that the government should prioritize disability-related issues in health policy formulation, implementation and monitoring. The current provisions and requirements in the disability act should be prioritized, enforced and monitored to ensure adequate inclusion of disability issues in health services. Further, the current exemption policy under the National Health Insurance Scheme should be revised to adequately address the needs of people with disabilities.

scholarly journals In search of universal health coverage – highlighting the accessibility of health care to students with disabilities in Ghana: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Abodey ◽  
Irene Vanderpuye ◽  
Isaac Mensah ◽  
Eric Badu
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
The Government ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract Background: Accessibility of health care to students with disabilities is a global concern. This is no less important in Ghana, however, to date, no study has been undertaken regarding access to health care to students with disabilities. This study, therefore, aims to explore the accessibility of health care to students with disabilities, in the quest of achieving universal health coverage in Ghana. Methods: Qualitative methods, involving in-depth interviews were employed to collect data from 54 participants (29 students with disabilities, 17 health workers and 8 school mothers), selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results : The study identified three themes – accessibility, adequacy, and affordability. The study findings highlighted that universal health coverage for students with disabilities has not been achieved due to barriers in accessing health care. The barriers faced by students with disabilities were unfriendly physical environments, structures, equipment, limited support services and poor health insurance policy to finance health care. Conclusion : The study concludes that the government should prioritize disability-related issues in health policy formulation, implementation and monitoring. The current provisions and requirements in the disability act should be prioritized, enforced and monitored to ensure adequate inclusion of disability issues in health services. Further, the current exemption policy under the National Health Insurance Scheme should be revised to adequately address the needs of people with disabilities.

scholarly journals In search of universal health coverage – highlighting the accessibility of health care to students with disabilities in Ghana: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Abodey ◽  
Irene Vanderpuye ◽  
Isaac Mensah ◽  
Eric Badu
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
The Government ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract Background: Accessibility of health care to students with disabilities is a global concern. This is no less important in Ghana, however, to date, no study has been undertaken regarding access to health care to students with disabilities. This study, therefore, aims to explore the accessibility of health care to students with disabilities, in the quest of achieving universal health coverage in Ghana. Methods: Qualitative methods, involving in-depth interviews were employed to collect data from 54 participants (29 students with disabilities, 17 health workers and 8 school mothers), selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The study identified three themes – accessibility, adequacy, and affordability. The study findings highlighted that universal health coverage for students with disabilities has not been achieved due to barriers in accessing health care. The barriers faced by students with disabilities were unfriendly physical environments, structures, equipment, limited support services and poor health insurance policy to finance health care. Conclusion: The study concludes that the government should prioritize disability-related issues in health policy formulation, implementation and monitoring. The current provisions and requirements in the disability act should be prioritized, enforced and monitored to ensure adequate inclusion of disability issues in health services. Further, the current exemption policy under the National Health Insurance Scheme should be revised to adequately address the needs of people with disabilities.

scholarly journals In search of universal health coverage – highlighting the accessibility of health services for students with disabilities in Ghana: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Abodey ◽  
Irene Vanderpuye ◽  
Isaac Mensah ◽  
Eric Badu
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Accessibility Of Health Services ◽  
The Government ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract Background: Accessibility to health services for students with disabilities is a global concern. This is no less important in Ghana, however, to date, no study has been undertaken regarding access to health services for students with disabilities. This study, therefore, aims to explore the accessibility of health services for students with disabilities, in the quest of achieving universal health coverage in Ghana. Methods: Qualitative methods, involving in-depth interviews were employed to collect data from 54 participants (29 students with disabilities, 17 health workers and 8 school mothers), selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results : The study identified three themes – accessibility, adequacy, and affordability. The study findings highlighted that universal health coverage for students with disabilities has not been achieved due to barriers in accessing health services. The barriers faced by students with disabilities are unfriendly physical environments, structures, equipment, limited support services and poor health insurance policy to finance health services. Conclusion : The study concludes that the government should prioritize disability-related issues in health policy formulation, implementation and monitoring. The current provisions and requirements in the disability act should be prioritized, enforced and monitored to ensure adequate inclusion of disability issues in health services. Further, the current exemption policy under the NHIS scheme should be revised to adequately address the needs of people with disabilities.

scholarly journals Ghana’s Journey towards Universal Health Coverage: The Role of the National Health Insurance Scheme

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kipo-Sunyehzi ◽  
Amogre Ayanore ◽  
Dzidzonu ◽  
Ayalsuma Yakubu
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
National Health Insurance ◽  
National Health ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
National Health Insurance Scheme ◽  
Health Insurance Scheme ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Insurance Scheme ◽  
Universal Health

: Background: the main aim of the study is to find if the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana is achieving universal health coverage (UHC) or not. The study gives the trajectories of health policies in Ghana and their implications on long term health financing. NHIS in Ghana was implemented in 2004, with the aim of increasing subscribers’ access to health care services and reduce financial barriers to health care. On equity access to healthcare, it addresses two core concerns: (1) enrolling particular groups (persons exempted from annual premium payments) and (2) achieving UHC for all citizens and persons with legal residence. It utilizes a multifactor approach to the conceptualization of UHC. The research question: is Ghana’s NHIS on course to deliver or achieve universal health coverage? Methods: we used qualitative methods. In doing so, the study engaged participants in in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and direct observations of participants in their natural settings, like hospitals, clinics, offices and homes, with purposive and snowball techniques. This data triangulation approach aims to increase the reliability and validity of findings. Results: the empirical evidence shows NHIS performed relatively well in enrolling more exempt groups (particular groups) than enrolling all persons in Ghana (UHC). The biggest challenge for the implementation of NHIS from the perspectives of health insurance officials is inadequate funding. The health insurance beneficiaries complained of delays during registrations and renewals. They also complained of poor attitude of some health insurance officials and health workers at facilities. Conclusions: both health insurance officials and beneficiaries emphasized the need for increased public education and for implementers to adopt a friendly attitude towards clients. To move towards achieving UHC, there is a need to redesign the policy, to move it from current voluntary contributions, to adopt a broad tax-based approach to cover all citizens and persons with legal residence in Ghana. Also, to adopt a flexible premium payment system (specifically ‘payments by installation’ or ‘part payments’) and widen the scope of exempt groups as a way of enrolling more into the NHIS.

scholarly journals Gambaran Out of Pocket pada Awal Era JKN di Indonesia

2018 ◽  
pp. 141-146
Author(s):  
Ingan Tarigan ◽  
Taty Suryati
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Health Expenditures ◽  
Health Care Expenditures ◽  
Financial Protection ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Medical Expenses ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The Government ◽  
Universal Health

Abstrak Pogram Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) salah satunya bertujuan memberikan perlindungan finansial khususnya biaya katastropik terhadap semua peserta. Penerima manfaat JKN berhak mendapatkan berbagai layanan sebagai bagian dari paket manfaat dasar tanpa mengeluarkan biaya pelayanan, dan diharapkan Out of Pocket (OOP) akan lebih rendah dibandingkan dengan mereka yang tidak memiliki asuransi kesehatan. Tujuan penulisan akan membandingkan total pengeluaran untuk kesehatan dari peserta jaminan kesehatan dengan yang tidak memiliki jaminan kesehatan pada awal era JKN. Dalam analisis ini, pengukuran pengeluaran perawatan kesehatan hanya mencakup biaya pengobatan langsung, seperti biaya konsultasi, pemakaian kamar di rumah sakit dan obat-obatan. Analisis dengan menggunakan data Susenas 2014 terdiri dari 274.673 individu dan 71.051 rumah tangga di 33 provinsi di Indonesia. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada awal era JKN ada sedikit perbedaan OOP pada penduduk miskin dibandingkan dengan penduduk dimana proteksi finansial terhadap penduduk miskin untuk pengeluaran kesehatan masih rendah.Kepemilikan jaminan kesehatan memberikan proteksi finansial akibat pengeluaran biaya kesehatan, khususnya pengeluaran biaya katastropik dibandingkan dengan yang tidak memiliki jaminan kesehatan. Kepesertaan penduduk miskin ditargetkan tahun 2019 sudah terpenuhi sehingga target pemerintah tentang Universal Health Coverage (UHC) perlindungan finansial pada penduduk miskin dan hampir miskin semakin tinggi atau OOP semakin mendekati nol. Kata kunci: OOP, Pembiayaan, Asuransi Kesehatan Abstract One of the main objectives of the JKN program is to provide financial protection, especially catastrophic costs to all members. JKN beneficiaries are entitled to various services as part of the basic benefit package without incurring service costs, and it is expected that Out of Pocket (OOP) will be lower than those who do not have health insurance. The purpose of writing will be to compare the total health expenditures of health insurance participants or beneficiaries and those without health insurance. In this analysis, the measurement of health care expenditures only includes direct medical expenses, such as consultation fees, hospital room usage and medication. Using Susenas data 2014 consists of 274,673 individuals and 71,051 households in 33 provinces in Indonesia. At the beginning of the JKN implementation, there was little difference of out of pocket in the poorest population compared to the richest population. This shows that financial protection to the poor for health expenditures are still low. The ownership of health insurance tends to provide financial protection due to health expenditures, especially catastrophic expenses compared to those without health insurance. In the Year of 2019 where the government targeted to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) expected protection financial on the poor and near poor is getting higher or out of pocket or getting closer up to zero. Keywords: OOP, Financial Protection, Health Insurance

Universal Health Coverage for Undocumented Migrants. The Spanish Case

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-299
Author(s):  
María Dalli
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Universal Coverage ◽  
Right To Health ◽  
Undocumented Migrants ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
The Right ◽  
Universal Health

Implementation of the universal right to health, along with the UN’s goal to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), face common challenges to ensuring universal health care entitlement. One of these difficulties is health care restrictions for undocumented migrants. A recent example is the Spanish health care regulation that places universal coverage at risk by restricting access to it by this group. The work herein examines the right to health and UHC’s regulations with the aim of determining if access to health care services for undocumented migrants is indeed recognized and if this recognition could therefore be valid to limit those kinds of measures. The UHC proposal does not sufficiently deal with this problem. Regarding the right to health, even though there are some limitations within international human rights laws regarding protection for this group, it can be concluded that the right to health is also applicable to undocumented migrants.

scholarly journals Sustaining the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana: Perceptions and Experiences of Health Care Providers and Subscribers

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Amangbey Emmanuel ◽  
Gandiibu A. Julius ◽  
Gbaran Gbolo
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
National Health Insurance ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
National Health Insurance Scheme ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Insurance Scheme ◽  
Universal Health

The establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme was as a consequence of government effort at adopting a sustainable health care financing system with the aim of achieving universal health coverage. This study therefore explored the perceptions and experiences of health care providers and subscribers regarding the sustenance of the NHIS in Ghana. The study employed a mixed method design using survey questionnaires and in-depth face-to-face interviews. The study revealed that NHIS had contributed to the revenue base of service providers and increased healthcare utilisation at provider centres. The inability of health care providers to provide essential medicines and perceived poor quality of health care were identified as challenges to subscribers. The study concludes that the NHIS has the potential of ensuring universal health coverage provided stakeholders make deliberate efforts at addressing the obvious sustainable threats identified.

scholarly journals Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-324
Author(s):  
Samlee Plianbangchang
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
National Health Insurance ◽  
National Health ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Universal Health

Purpose The WHO Health for All goal of the year 2000 was unreachable due to a number of irreconcilable factors. However, governments agree that a resolution must be found to effectively cope with increasing health care costs. Furthermore, national health insurance schemes must be properly refined to suit local situations. Workable health policies and strategies for caring and treating sick people through reduced or cost effective methods must be developed as part of a Universal Health Coverage scheme. A review of progress made toward achieving the WHO goal of health for all. The purpose of this paper is to explore the government’s role and responsibilities to educate and support society to achieve optimum health. Design/methodology/approach This is a commentary piece. Findings Participation and involvement of all people of all walks of life in the development and management of their nation’s health care programs is an important requisite of good health for all. This should include financial participation and co-payment into the national health insurance scheme. Furthermore, national health care systems should involve or include the traditional/local and alternative systems of medicine in the most appropriate manner. Health care has to encompass the total range of comprehensive health interventions, inclusive of at least preventive, curative and rehabilitative care. Originality/value This paper provides a review of the current health system constraints and assesses the effectiveness of available options by way of ensuring that a country-specific UHC system may be successfully implemented.

scholarly journals Iran health insurance system in transition: equity concerns and steps to achieve universal health coverage

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Doshmangir ◽  
Mohammad Bazyar ◽  
Arash Rashidian ◽  
Vladimir Sergeevich Gordeev
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Health Care Expenditures ◽  
Health Insurance Coverage ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract Background Equity, efficiency, sustainability, acceptability to clients and providers, and quality are the cornerstones of universal health coverage (UHC). No country has a single way to achieve efficient UHC. In this study, we documented the Iranian health insurance reforms, focusing on how and why certain policies were introduced and implemented, and which challenges remain to keep a sustainable UHC. Methods This retrospective policy analysis used three sources of data: a comprehensive and chronological scoping review of literature, interviews with Iran health insurance policy actors and stakeholders, and a review of published and unpublished official documents and local media. All data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Health insurance reforms, especially health transformation plan (HTP) in 2014, helped to progress towards UHC and health equity by expanding population coverage, a benefits package, and enhancing financial protection. However, several challenges can jeopardize sustaining this progress. There is a lack of suitable mechanisms to collect contributions from those without a regular income. The compulsory health insurance coverage law is not implemented in full. A substantial gap between private and public medical tariffs leads to high out-of-pocket health expenditure. Moreover, controlling the total health care expenditures is not the main priority to make keeping UHC more sustainable. Conclusion To achieve UHC in Iran, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and health insurance schemes should devise and follow the policies to control health care expenditures. Working mechanisms should be implemented to extend free health insurance coverage for those in need. More studies are needed to evaluate the impact of health insurance reforms in terms of health equity, sustainability, coverage, and access.

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