Management and social factors on sustainability of mutual health insurance in Musanze District 2008 – 2011

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Date
2012-09
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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
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