In today’s complex and ever-changing healthcare landscape where the cost of healthcare services is soaring up day in and day out in a manner common man cannot afford, having reliable health insurance coverage is very useful and more important than ever before to access timely healthcare services and achieve better health outcomes.
Weighing the return of health insurance, the government has implemented Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) to allow communities to access safe affordable healthcare services and lessen the high medical cost burden; thereby improving individual healthcare outcomes.
These days, the number of people benefitting from the government’s community-based health insurance scheme is increasing all over the country from time to time.
Mekonnen Telila, 84, is one of the beneficiaries of this community-based health insurance scheme where this reporter met him while accessing health services at the Basha Wolde Chilot Health Center.
As he stated to The Ethiopian Herald, he was enrolled in the program five years ago. It is meaningfully alleviating the healthcare challenges of the community by enabling them to access affordable and safe healthcare services.
The program is ideal because it eases the stress of fellow citizens, especially those in low-income households due to the rising cost of medical expenses. “I developed old age-induced health problems like diabetes and vision problems. Recognizing the gravity of my condition, I visit the healthcare center frequently. The service I always receive from the health facility is good; everyone is very cooperative and willing to help patients.”
Mentioning he is a pensioner, living alone because his wife and sons passed away years ago, he said that in the face of many complexities that have left him developing a feeling of frustration, confusion, and helplessness, having access to reliable healthcare services is a relief.
According to him, the health insurance plan is a game changer because it brings all the difference in ensuring that everyone has access to quality health care service and safeguarding financial security. Health insurance is paying off the community that has already enrolled as per the directives in many ways. “I would not be here today but, died years ago because of my health problems. But thanks to the scheme, it lets me get timely and essential health services, improve my health status; and be alive in dignity,” he opined.
Basha Wolde Chilot Urban Health Extension Team Leader Biniyam Girma for his part said that the Health Center is providing health insurance services for over six hundred households as per the proclamation put in place.
Communication Expert with the Ethiopia Health Insurance Service, Eyob Amanu also said that the Community-Based Health Insurance system is driving Ethiopia’s bid for universal health coverage in many ways, letting citizens get timely, quality services.
The ultimate goal of the scheme is to provide health insurance services to individuals and families, mainly those who often lack access to healthcare services, including the rural community. Each participant contributes a small, regular premium, which in turn grants them access to a comprehensive package of primary and secondary healthcare services.
So far, the findings indicate that the impact of the CBHI scheme has been encouraging and welcomed by the communities. Since its inception, the program has been growing steadily, with enrollment reaching over 20 million Ethiopians by 2021. CBHI is productive in rural areas, where access to healthcare has been a challenge. By making health insurance more accessible and affordable, the CBHI has empowered communities to take a more active role in managing their health and well-being.
The Ethiopian Health Insurance Service will keep on advocating the scheme through several platforms. The Service calls on stakeholders to support the effort through supplying technical and financial support.
Community-based health insurance was first launched as a pilot program in four states, Tigray, Amhara, and South Oromia States in 13 words in 2021.
In general, community-based health insurance has played a great role regarding to fulfill universal health coverage. The progress made in the realm of health insurance has created a tangible impact on the overall health outcomes in Ethiopia. As more individuals gain access to quality healthcare, the country has experienced a decline in infant and maternal mortality rates, as well as a reduction in the prevalence of communicable diseases. Additionally, the increased focus on preventive care has enabled Ethiopians to proactively manage their health status.
However, the country’s commitment to expanding health insurance coverage, coupled with the meaningful impact it has brought about on the lives of its citizens, serves as an inspiring example for others seeking to prioritize the health and wellbeing of their populations.
According to documents, the CBHI scheme seeks to put an end to debilitating and potentially devastating out-of-pocket health expenses for the approximately 85 percent of Ethiopians who work in the informal sector. As such, it is a key component of the country’s pursuit of universal health coverage, a target set by countries during the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Households with members employed in the formal sector, meanwhile, will soon be included in a mandatory social health insurance scheme that is in the final stages of launching.
Between 2015 and 2020, almost 7 million households, equating to 32 million people, enrolled in the scheme. About 5.5 million of these households were members paying the yearly premium, while the remaining 1.5 million households were sponsored by the government. Over the same period, the number of new consultations in all health facilities by CBHI beneficiaries increased by over 200 percent, as to documents.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 2 AUGUST 2024
