Experts advise the public on health insurance

By Violet Nabatanzi

In order to ensure proper healthcare in the country, health experts have advised the public to get health insurance because it helps both medium and low income earners.
 
Prof. Bwogi Kanyerezi a healthcare practitioner explained that, health insurance is the best way to go. He gave an example, where one person can be insured for only sh500,000 and gets treatment with their entire family for a full year.
 
Speaking during the rebranding of Kampala Hospital at Imperial Royale hotel, Kanyerezi who branded treatment abroad as ‘mere fashion’, stressed that although some people prefer to get treatment overseas, it is very expensive.

  Prof Bwogi Kanyerezi, Kampala Hospital Physician (Left) and Muhammad Kibirige a medical Doctor sharing a light moment during the launch of Kampala hospital new logo on Tuesday night at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala. Photo/Shamim Saad.

He said if there was an effort to get the necessary equipment in the country, the money spent on the tickets would cater for health insurance for about ten people in Uganda annually.
 
"If there was the necessary equipment in the Country, we have enough skills to do complex cases because many people who go abroad for specialized treatment are treated by Ugandan experts," Kanyerezi said.
 
The Health Insurance Bill that will ensure that every Ugandan has equal access to quality health care is in its final stages for enactment.
 
Under the proposed National Health Insurance Bill, 2007, the premium for formal sector employees is 8 percent of the employee's salary. Employers will be responsible for paying 4 percent, and the employee will be responsible for paying the remaining 4 percent.
 
The National Social Health Insurance Scheme was expected to take off in July 2007, but was tabled before the Parliament of Uganda in March 2009.
 
The Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda Alphons Hennekens added; that Ugandan medical equipment is challenged by high interest rates. "Ugandan businesses are charged with very high interest rates and it affects the medical machines and donations from Netherlands.”
 
He said Uganda is an important aid and trade partner for the Netherlands with a focus on both development aid programs, trade and investment activities.
 
Dr. Frank Njenga, chairman of AAR Health Services, warned all young medical personnel against turning the profession into a money seeking venture, but rather concentrate on being good missionaries.

Research indicates that for every 100 doctors, 70 will have migrated to other countries in two years seeking for higher payments and better work environments.