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Eze P, Ilechukwu S, Lawani LO. Impact of community-based health insurance in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287600. [PMID: 37368882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To systematically evaluate the empirical evidence on the impact of community-based health insurance (CBHI) on healthcare utilization and financial risk protection in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). METHODS We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, CNKI, PsycINFO, Scopus, WHO Global Index Medicus, and Web of Science including grey literature, Google Scholar®, and citation tracking for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and quasi-experimental studies that evaluated the impact of CBHI schemes on healthcare utilization and financial risk protection in LMICs. We assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2.0 and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tools for RCTs and quasi/non-RCTs, respectively. We also performed a narrative synthesis of all included studies and meta-analyses of comparable studies using random-effects models. We pre-registered our study protocol on PROSPERO: CRD42022362796. RESULTS We identified 61 articles: 49 peer-reviewed publications, 10 working papers, 1 preprint, and 1 graduate dissertation covering a total of 221,568 households (1,012,542 persons) across 20 LMICs. Overall, CBHI schemes in LMICs substantially improved healthcare utilization, especially outpatient services, and improved financial risk protection in 24 out of 43 studies. Pooled estimates showed that insured households had higher odds of healthcare utilization (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.04-2.47), use of outpatient health services (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22-2.05), and health facility delivery (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.61-3.02), but insignificant increase in inpatient hospitalization (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 0.74-3.14). The insured households had lower out-of-pocket health expenditure (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92-0.97), lower incidence of catastrophic health expenditure at 10% total household expenditure (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54-0.88), and 40% non-food expenditure (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54-0.96). The main limitations of our study are the limited data available for meta-analyses and high heterogeneity persisted in subgroup and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that CBHI generally improves healthcare utilization but inconsistently delivers financial protection from health expenditure shocks. With pragmatic context-specific policies and operational modifications, CBHI could be a promising mechanism for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Eze
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, Penn State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Stanley Ilechukwu
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Health Projects, South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), Independence Layout, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Lucky Osaheni Lawani
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Oseni TIA, Blankson PK, Dele-Ojo BF, Duodu F, Echieh CP, Alabi SB, Tayo BO, Sarpong DF, Amoakoh-Coleman M, Boima V, Ogedegbe G. Medication adherence and blood pressure control: A preliminary assessment of the role of health insurance in Nigeria and Ghana. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231152324. [PMID: 36741928 PMCID: PMC9893381 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231152324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study sought to assess the current impact of health insurance coverage on medication adherence and blood pressure control of patients being managed for hypertension in Ghana and Nigeria. Methods The study was a prospective study among 109 patients with hypertension in two health facilities with similar population dynamics in Ghana and Nigeria. Patients were systematically selected, categorized as having health insurance coverage or not, and followed up monthly for 6 months. The outcome variables (medication adherence and blood pressure control) were then measured and compared at 6 months. Analysis was done using Stata with level of significance set at p ⩽ 0.05. Results There was a 90% insurance coverage among participants from Ghana compared to 15% from Nigeria. National Health Insurance Authority enrolees in both countries had better blood pressure control and medication adherence compared to non-enrolees (adjusted odds ratio = 2.6 and 4.5, respectively). Conclusion National Health Insurance Authority enrolment was found to be poor among respondents in Nigeria compared to Ghana. Enrolment into the National health financing schemes in both countries led to better blood pressure control and medication adherence among patients with hypertension at primary health facilities. There is therefore the need for system strengthening to improve their sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vincent Boima
- University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
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Bousmah MAQ, Diakhaté P, Toulao GÀD, Le Hesran JY, Lalou R. Effects of a free health insurance programme for the poor on health service utilisation and financial protection in Senegal. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-009977. [PMID: 36526298 PMCID: PMC9764670 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Implemented in 2013 in Senegal, the Programme National de Bourses de Sécurité Familiale (PNBSF) is a national cash transfer programme for poor households. Besides reducing household poverty and encouraging children's school attendance, an objective of the PNBSF is to expand health coverage by guaranteeing free enrolment in community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes. In this paper, we provide the first assessment of the PNBSF free health insurance programme on health service utilisation and health-related financial protection. METHODS We collected household-level and individual-level cross-sectional data on health insurance in 2019-2020 within the Niakhar Population Observatory in rural Senegal. We conducted a series of descriptive analyses to fully describe the application of the PNBSF programme in terms of health coverage. We then used multivariate logistic and Poisson regression models within an inverse probability weighting framework to estimate the effect of being registered in a CBHI through the PNBSF-as compared with having no health insurance or having voluntarily enrolled in a CBHI scheme-on a series of outcomes. RESULTS With the exception of health facility deliveries, which were favoured by free health insurance, the PNBSF did not reduce the unmet need for healthcare or the health-related financial risk. It did not increase individuals' health service utilisation in case of health problems, did not increase the number of antenatal care visits and did not protect households against the risk of forgoing medical care and of catastrophic health expenditure. CONCLUSION We found limited effects of the PNBSF free health insurance on health service utilisation and health-related financial protection, although these failures were not necessarily due to the provision of free health insurance per se. Our results point to both implementation failures and limited programme outcomes. Greater commitment from the state is needed, particularly through strategies to reduce barriers to accessing covered healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwân-al-Qays Bousmah
- Université Paris Cité, IRD, Inserm, Ceped, F-75006 Paris, France,Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Économiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Richard Lalou
- Université Paris Cité, MERIT, IRD, F-75006, Paris, France
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Tsala Dimbuene Z, Muanza Nzuzi R, Nzita Kikhela PD. Poverty, education and health insurance coverage among women of reproductive ages in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a cross-sectional and multilevel analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064834. [PMID: 36523216 PMCID: PMC9748937 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate inequalities of health insurance coverage (outcome) at subnational level, and the effects of education and poverty on the outcome. DESIGN Secondary analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys. The outcome variable was health insurance ownership. SETTING The Democratic Republic of the Congo. SUBJECTS Women aged 15-49 years (n=18 827). RESULTS Findings indicated significant spatial variations of the health insurance ownership which ranged from 1.2% in Bandundu and Kasaï Oriental to 15.5% in Kinshasa the Capital City. Furthermore, findings showed that an additional year of women education increased by 10% the chance of health insurance ownership (adjusted OR, AOR 1.098; 95% CI 1.065 to 1.132). Finally, living in better-off households increased by 150% the chance of owing a health insurance (AOR 2.501; 95% CI 1.620 to 3.860) compared with women living in poor households. CONCLUSIONS Given the low levels of health insurance coverage, the Democratic Republic of the Congo will not reach the Sustainable Development Goal 3, aimed at improving maternal and child health unless a serious programmatic health shift is undertaken in the country to tackle inequalities among poor and uneducated women via universal health coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zacharie Tsala Dimbuene
- Department of Population and Development Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Raphaël Muanza Nzuzi
- Department of Population and Development Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Paul-Denis Nzita Kikhela
- Department of Population and Development Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
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Shewamene Z, Tiruneh G, Abraha A, Reshad A, Terefe MM, Shimels T, Lemlemu E, Tilahun D, Wondimtekahu A, Argaw M, Anno A, Abebe F, Kiros M. Barriers to uptake of community-based health insurance in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Health Policy Plan 2021; 36:1705-1714. [PMID: 34240185 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, community-based Health Insurance (CBHI) is expanding in most of sub-Saharan African countries with the aim of improving equitable access to health services for the informal sector population. However, population enrolment into CBHI and membership renewals thereafter remains stubbornly low. The purpose of this systematic review is to generate an evidence to better understand barriers to uptake of CBHI in sub-Saharan African countries. We systematically searched for relevant studies from databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsychInfo, ProQest, Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) and Africa-Wide Information. The search strategy combined detailed terms related to (i) CBHI, (ii) enrolment/renewal and (iii) sub-Saharan African countries. A narrative synthesis of findings was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol for this systematic review was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (ref: CRD42020183959). The database search identified 4055 potential references from which 15 articles reporting on 17 studies met the eligibility criteria. The findings revealed that barriers to uptake of CBHI in sub-Saharan Africa were multidimensional in nature. Lack of awareness about the importance of health insurance, socio-economic factors, health beliefs, lack of trust towards scheme management, poor quality of health services, perceived health status and limited health benefit entitlements were reported as barriers that affect enrolments into CBHI and membership renewals. The methodological quality of studies included in this review has been found to be mostly suboptimal. The overall findings of this systematic review identified major barriers of CBHI uptake in sub-Saharan African countries which may help policymakers to make evidence-informed decisions. Findings of this review also highlighted that further research with a robust methodological quality, depth and breadth is needed to help better understand the factors that limit CBHI uptake at individual, societal and structural levels in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tariku Shimels
- Saint Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Muluken Argaw
- Ethiopian Health Insurance Agency, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alemu Anno
- Ethiopian Health Insurance Agency, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Mizan Kiros
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Jones CM, Gautier L, Ridde V. A scoping review of theories and conceptual frameworks used to analyse health financing policy processes in sub-Saharan Africa. Health Policy Plan 2021; 36:1197-1214. [PMID: 34027987 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czaa173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Health financing policies are critical policy instruments to achieve Universal Health Coverage, and they constitute a key area in policy analysis literature for the health policy and systems research (HPSR) field. Previous reviews have shown that analyses of policy change in low- and middle-income countries are under-theorised. This study aims to explore which theories and conceptual frameworks have been used in research on policy processes of health financing policy in sub-Saharan Africa and to identify challenges and lessons learned from their use. We conducted a scoping review of literature published in English and French between 2000 and 2017. We analysed 23 papers selected as studies of health financing policies in sub-Saharan African countries using policy process or health policy-related theory or conceptual framework ex ante. Theories and frameworks used alone were from political science (35%), economics (9%) and HPSR field (17%). Thirty-five per cent of authors adopted a 'do-it-yourself' (bricolage) approach combining theories and frameworks from within political science or between political science and HPSR. Kingdon's multiple streams theory (22%), Grindle and Thomas' arenas of conflict (26%) and Walt and Gilson's policy triangle (30%) were the most used. Authors select theories for their empirical relevance, methodological rational (e.g. comparison), availability of examples in literature, accessibility and consensus. Authors cite few operational and analytical challenges in using theory. The hybridisation, diversification and expansion of mid-range policy theories and conceptual frameworks used deductively in health financing policy reform research are issues for HPSR to consider. We make three recommendations for researchers in the HPSR field. Future research on health financing policy change processes in sub-Saharan Africa should include reflection on learning and challenges for using policy theories and frameworks in the context of HPSR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Jones
- London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Health, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK
| | - Lara Gautier
- Département de Gestion, d'Évaluation et de Politique de Santé, École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada.,Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 7101 avenue du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Valéry Ridde
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Centre Population et Développement - CEPED (IRD-Université de Paris), Université de Paris ERL INSERM SAGESUD, 45 rue des Saints-Peres, Paris 75006, France
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Hussein MR, Dongarwar D, Yusuf RA, Yusuf Z, Aliyu GG, Elmessan GR, Salihu HM. Health Insurance Status of Pregnant Women and the Likelihood of Receipt of Antenatal Screening for HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. Curr HIV Res 2021; 19:248-259. [PMID: 33622225 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x19666210223124835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated if initiating preventive care against HIV vertical transmission by antenatal HIV screening is independent of the patients' source of financial reimbursement for the care received in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS Using information from the WHO's Global Health Expenditure Database and the Demographic Health Surveys Database for 27 sub-Saharan countries, we used Spearman's correlation and adjusted survey logistic regression to determine the potential relationship between enrollment in health insurance and the likelihood that expectant mothers would be offered antenatal HIV screening. RESULTS We found that expectant mothers covered by health insurance were more than twice as likely to be offered antenatal screening for HIV compared to the uninsured. The likelihood differed by the type of insurance plan the expectant mother carried. DISCUSSION Health insurance is more of a financial tool that this study finds to be necessary to boost the uptake of preventive and therapeutic HIV care in SSA. CONCLUSION The ensuing disparity in receiving proper care could hinder the goals of 90-90-90 and the forthcoming 95-95-95 plan in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ragaa Hussein
- Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health (MPACH), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Deepa Dongarwar
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training & Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rafeek A Yusuf
- Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health (MPACH), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zenab Yusuf
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Houston VA Health Services Research and Development Service Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX, USA and VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - George Ryan Elmessan
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training & Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hamisu M Salihu
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training & Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Asante A, Wasike WSK, Ataguba JE. Health Financing in Sub-Saharan Africa: From Analytical Frameworks to Empirical Evaluation. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2020; 18:743-746. [PMID: 33145665 PMCID: PMC7609366 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-020-00618-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Augustine Asante
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Room 238, Level 2 Samuels Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | | | - John E Ataguba
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Chirwa GC, Suhrcke M, Moreno-Serra R. The Impact of Ghana's National Health Insurance on Psychological Distress. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2020; 18:249-259. [PMID: 31501998 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-019-00515-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor mental health is among the growing number of noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Despite poor mental health accounting for an already considerable and growing burden of disease in many low- and middle-income countries, policy action to confront the challenge has been limited, at both international and national levels. Recently, several low- and middle-income countries have embarked on the journey toward universal health coverage by expanding their public health insurance provision, with the ultimate objective of improving population health, in addition to other health system objectives. Mental health interventions typically may not have been specifically covered in the publicly funded benefit package, and this raises the question of whether, and if so, by how much, the expansion of public health insurance may have directly or indirectly contributed to improved mental health. OBJECTIVE We assessed the impact of Ghana's implementation of national health insurance on psychological distress. METHODS Our study used the first wave of the 2009-2010 Ghana Social Economic Panel survey, including 10,007 respondents. We employed instrumental variable and propensity score matching methods to estimate the causal impact of health insurance on psychological distress, measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Higher K10 values indicate greater psychological distress. RESULTS The median K10 score in Ghana was 16 (P < 0.001), with a minimum of 10 (P < 0.001) and a maximum of 45 (P < 0.001). The results from the instrumental variable estimations, without matching, indicated that the K10 score for the insured was 11.8% lower (P < 0.001) than that of the uninsured. After running the instrumental variable regression on the matched sample, the K10 score for the insured was 10.6% (P < 0.001) lower than that of the uninsured. Similarly, the estimates based on propensity score matching indicated that the insured had a lower K10 score (- 0.023; P < 0.05). Furthermore, the beneficial impact of health insurance on psychological distress is larger for wealthier than poorer insurance members and varies across regions in Ghana. The findings were robust to the various estimation methods. CONCLUSION This study suggests that having health insurance is associated with reduced psychological distress and hence improved mental health, even though mental illness treatment or prevention were at best only partially covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gowokani Chijere Chirwa
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
- Economics Department, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi.
| | - Marc Suhrcke
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-economic Research (LISER), Maison des Sciences Humaines, 11, Porte des Sciences, 4366, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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Kiri VA, Ojule AC. Electronic medical record systems: A pathway to sustainable public health insurance schemes in sub-Saharan Africa. Niger Postgrad Med J 2020; 27:1-7. [PMID: 32003355 DOI: 10.4103/npmj.npmj_141_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pubic health insurance schemes are usually set up by governments to provide cover for their insured populations against healthcare costs. These schemes are usually administered by a government agency and vary both in how they are funded and provide their services. A number of developing countries have introduced such schemes to minimise the impact of financial barriers to healthcare access by their populations. These schemes are expected to bridge the inequality in healthcare. A National Health Insurance Scheme has been in operation in Nigeria since 2005 to provide health cover for government employees and those in private institutions with no less than ten workers. There are similar schemes in a number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a literature review of publications on public health insurance schemes in sub-Saharan Africa to identify the challenges they encounter. We found 76 relevant publications. Although much have been published on these schemes, few have addressed the critical obstacles to effective implementation, management and sustenance in the unique environments we find in sub-Saharan Africa - where poor technological infrastructures, acts of forgery, counterfeiting and other forms of fraud are common. We highlight these challenges, using the scheme in Nigeria for reference. We discuss the potential role of robust electronic medical record (EMR) systems for sustainable schemes in such environments and describe some of the ways robust EMR systems could be used to mitigate the challenges posed by most of the peculiar problems associated with poor infrastructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Alangibi Kiri
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Aaron C Ojule
- Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
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