Experts: Health insurance hope for Uganda's health sector

As Uganda struggles to attain universal health coverage, experts argue the need to incorporate a clear health insurance policy and clear funding strategies if the country is to reach all its key populations.

Speaking to Nile Post, Dr Francis Omaswa noted that while this may take some time it remains the countries only option.

With a population of over 30 million people, and almost a stagnant economy, Uganda spends much of its health budget on medicines while individually, Ugandans spend over 40% of their income on health care especially in private facilities.

For those with out a source of income, the public facilities remain their only point of care.

"In order to achieve SDG, the root is in UHC, everyone should be able to attain health coverage without suffering financial stress," Prof Omaswa said.

According to Dr Patrick Kadama the Director Health Policy at ACHEST, such out of pocket have only created imbalances in access to care.

"With poorer health care, we need to redouble our efforts," he said.

This has however been blamed on failure to honour international health commitments which are supposed to guide funding to the health sector.

The WHO calls for health expenditure of not less than $ 86 per individual per year but in Uganda, it is $42,

To bridge the gaps, experts said, there is need to revisit the inception of Uganda’s health insurance scheme, this should go hand in hand with improved domestic funding to the sector.

"But even then, we need to find a way to manage funds pooled for the benefit of Ugandans," Omaswa said.

Uganda will join the rest of the world to mark the International Universal Health coverage day which aims to mobilise diverse stakeholders to call for stronger, more equitable health systems.

It will be celebrated tomorrow.