scholarly journals What we need is health system transformation and not health system strengthening for universal health coverage to work: Perspectives from a National Health Insurance pilot site in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Michel ◽  
Brigit Obrist ◽  
Till Bärnighausen ◽  
Fabrizio Tediosi ◽  
Di McIntyre ◽  
...  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 494-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takalani G. Tshitangano ◽  
Foluke C. Olaniyi

Background:The provision of universal health coverage is acknowledged as a priority goal for healthcare systems globally. In South Africa, the National Health Insurance system has been endorsed as a funding model for the provision of universal health coverage for South Africans. Community Health Workers have contributed to better universal health coverage outcomes in many countries. A study in India revealed that coverage of health care practices is positively correlated with the knowledge level of Community Health Workers. In South Africa, there is a difference in the duration of training of Community Health Workers in different provinces, especially in Vhembe District.Objective:This study aimed to assess Community Health Workers’ knowledge regarding their roles and describe their challenges within the context of National Health Insurance.Methods:Qualitative design was used to collect data from 33 participants who formed five focus groups comprising six to eight members each. Ethical principles of research such as permission, informed consent, voluntary participation and anonymity were observed. Data was analysed using thematic data analysis technique guided by Tesch open coding method.Results:The findings revealed that Community Health Workers lack adequate knowledge regarding the roles they are expected to play within Ward Based Outreach teams. Some of the challenges they face include transportation to clients’ homes and poor reception in households.Conclusion:A review of the South African Qualification Authority health promoter unit standards is recommended coupled with the mentorship of Community Health Workers by retired nurses to help them understand their roles better.


Author(s):  
Muhammad Arief Hasan ◽  
Puput Oktamianti ◽  
Dumilah Ayuningtyas

Abstract. JKN (National Health Insurance) is a government program that aims to provide health assurance for all Indonesian citizens for a healthy, productive, and prosperous life. In the two years after JKN was implemented, various problems occurred. This research used the qualitative approach with the Edward II implementation theory. Results of the research indicated that there were problems in communication, stemming from the lack of socialization and inharmonic regulations, there was also the problem of the lack of healthcare resources. From the disposition side, the policy makers often obstructs the implementation preparation, this is evident from the information on determining the premium size. From the organization structure, all the stakeholders have been well coordinated. We conclude that we are not ready to implement the JKN. We recommend that mass and effective socialization program to be performed using various methods of communication and involve the community. To reduce the disparity of healthcare services, we recommend that the regional government to establish various healthcare facilities to accelerate health development. There should also be regulations that allocates healthcare staff in every corner of the country to achieve Universal Health Coverage in 2019, as stated in the National Health Insurance Road Map. Keywords: policy analysis, national health insurance, universal health coverage


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasbullah Thabrany ◽  
Ryan R. Nugraha ◽  
Ery Setiawan ◽  
Farah Purwaningrum

Abstract Background. Indonesia is nearing its 7-year implementation of its national health insurance scheme, or the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN), as a facilitator for achieving universal health coverage (UHC). Despite its long-running system, it is contentious as to whether JKN has been narrowing the gap of inequity in its delivery. This paper aims to explore on whether the national health insurance scheme in Indonesia have been promoting equity of access towards health services.Methods. This study analyzes findings from JKN statistic data of 2014-2018 published by Government of Indonesia. Using a retrospective design, this study identified membership and utilization of health services within JKN, based on different membership enrollment groups as proxy for income.Results. JKN has been expanding its enrollment significantly within 5 years, during year 2014 to 2018. Moreover, the study concludes that there was increased access for outpatient in all membership groups. Inpatient care was increased in low-income group, but not in high-income group. Result also showed inpatient access was correlated with adequate supply side intervention, particularly hospital beds.Conclusion. JKN has been successful in narrowing the inequity gap, particularly by serving the low-income group better in terms of access. Going forward, equity needs to be incorporated into JKN achievement indicator, particularly to accelerate Indonesia’s effort to realize universal health coverage.


Author(s):  
Kipo-Sunyehzi ◽  
Amogre Ayanore ◽  
Dzidzonu ◽  
Ayalsuma Yakubu

: 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.


Author(s):  
Mohammad F. Alharbi

Universal health coverage (UHC) is one of the major health policy objectives to achieve a Nation’s sustainable development. This goal is achieved when all citizens in the country enjoy the highest standards of healthcare at no or low cost. Many countries around the world have achieved UHC through a national health insurance framework and have an extensive range of risks funded by government revenue and contributions from both employers and employees. This study examines the feasibility of developing a National Health Insurance System (NHIS) as a way to achieve UHC in Saudi Arabia. It also highlights the potential role of health insurance in health coverage, improving the quality of care, and use of healthcare. Although establishing a NHIS poses many challenges, addressing them makes it feasible to provide and finance healthcare in the country.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Amangbey Emmanuel ◽  
Gandiibu A. Julius ◽  
Gbaran Gbolo

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-324
Author(s):  
Samlee Plianbangchang

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.


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