Govt to start Health insurance scheme
Sep 20, 2011
THE ministry of health has confirmed that the National Health Insurance scheme (NHIS) will commence next financial year.
By Violet Nabatanzi
THE ministry of health has confirmed that the National Health Insurance scheme (NHIS) will commence next financial year.
State minister for health in charge of general duties Richard Nduhura said the bill on health insurance scheme is expected to be passed this financial year.
The NHIS, which has recently faced resistance especially from workers and other trade unions, will enroll people in formal employment in a compulsory financial contribution who, in turn, are entitled to health care benefits from gazetted health centres.
“At the end of this financial year the law on NHIS will be approved by Parliament and it will take effect in the next financial year,†Nduhura said.
Speaking at 7th Annual scientific conference of Makerere University College of health sciences in conjunction with Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH) , at Speke resort Munyonyo, Nduhura said cabinet has pronounced its self on the additional principles of the bill and it has decided that the bill can be taken to ministry of finance because there are financial complications which must be cleared.
The scientific conference is part of the activity to mark Dr Mathew Lukwiya memorial lecture.
The deputy Principle College of health sciences Makerere University, Prof Celestino Obua said once the bill is passed every employer will be mandated to sign 4% of the salary to cover health bills at the hospitals.
“I hope government will make it compulsory just like National social security because all employees are assured of contribution towards NHIS,†Obua said.
He said the NHIS will also improve health service delivery in the Country. “When individuals pay money to hospitals for health services, the health facility treats you but it is able to recover costs for drugs, instruments and services from the scheme,†he said.
THE ministry of health has confirmed that the National Health Insurance scheme (NHIS) will commence next financial year.
State minister for health in charge of general duties Richard Nduhura said the bill on health insurance scheme is expected to be passed this financial year.
The NHIS, which has recently faced resistance especially from workers and other trade unions, will enroll people in formal employment in a compulsory financial contribution who, in turn, are entitled to health care benefits from gazetted health centres.
“At the end of this financial year the law on NHIS will be approved by Parliament and it will take effect in the next financial year,†Nduhura said.
Speaking at 7th Annual scientific conference of Makerere University College of health sciences in conjunction with Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH) , at Speke resort Munyonyo, Nduhura said cabinet has pronounced its self on the additional principles of the bill and it has decided that the bill can be taken to ministry of finance because there are financial complications which must be cleared.
The scientific conference is part of the activity to mark Dr Mathew Lukwiya memorial lecture.
The deputy Principle College of health sciences Makerere University, Prof Celestino Obua said once the bill is passed every employer will be mandated to sign 4% of the salary to cover health bills at the hospitals.
“I hope government will make it compulsory just like National social security because all employees are assured of contribution towards NHIS,†Obua said.
He said the NHIS will also improve health service delivery in the Country. “When individuals pay money to hospitals for health services, the health facility treats you but it is able to recover costs for drugs, instruments and services from the scheme,†he said.