Management and social factors on sustainability of mutual health insurance in Musanze District 2008 – 2011
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Date
2012-09
Authors
Bukambiza Desire, Senzeyi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University.College of Economics and Management
Abstract
Rwanda like other countries is facing the financial challenge for accessing health
services. The Government has resorted to the promotion of mutual health
organizations; however the sustainability of these deserves a particular attention.
The general objective is to assess the sustainability of mutual health insurance in
Musanze district. Specifically this study aims at identifying the roles played by the
management and social factors on sustainability of mutual health insurance in Musanze,
assessing whether mutual health has improved the access to healthcare, and finally
proposing solutions.
Different reports from sections of mutual health, interview with heads of sections
and medical care providers, as well as a questionnaire addressed to heads of
households served as a source of data. The choice of respondents at different levels
was based upon a random sample. The sample size required number of 601
household heads.
The organs of Musanze mutual health organization are all operational. Membership
amounted to 66.6% in 2010. The use of medical care services for adherents was the
triple the one observed in non-adherents. The premium and the proportion of
medical expenses payable are affordable for patients, according to 86% and 96.4%
of respondents respectively. Only 46.9% adhere because they appreciate services
provided by mutual health organizations, while 48.4% adhere following the
interventionist approach. However, due to the growing advantage offered by mutual
health organizations, 89.2% members of MH are willing to adhere without any
pressure. The financial situation has proved to be frail. There is unbalance between
incomes and expenses. 76.7% of respondents recognize the advantages offered by
risk sharing. Unfortunately, members are less involved in Mutual health activities.
46.3% of respondents attended at least a half of the meetings organized by Mutual
health organizations.
On the whole, the health risk- sharing policy in Rwanda is promising. The
interventionist approach is only viewed an educational method which will ultimately
end into members attitude change. Expenses incurred by mutual health
organizations are superior to incomes. Competent authorities are recommended to
gradually replace the interventionist approach with awareness campaign and
marketing and to reduce the pooling risk rate. To other researchers, we suggest
conducting a survey on the role that the involvement of prevention activities may
play as a component of mutual health organizations.
Description
Thesis presented to the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research Kampala International University Kampala, Uganda in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Project Planning and Management
Keywords
Management, Social, Sustainability, Mutual health, Insurance