New Health Insurance Study Results from University of Utrecht Described (Implementing Health Financing Reforms in Africa: Perspectives of Health…

New Health Insurance Study Results from University of Utrecht Described (Implementing Health Financing Reforms in Africa: Perspectives of Health System Stewards)

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Weekly News -- Data detailed on Health Insurance have been presented. According to news reporting originating in Utrecht, Netherlands, by VerticalNews journalists, research stated, "A majority of health systems in the sub-Saharan Africa region are faced with multiple competing priorities amid pressing resource constraints. Health financing reforms, characterized by expansion of health insurance coverage, have been proposed as promising in the quest to improve health sustainably."

The news reporters obtained a quote from the research from the University of Utrecht, "However, in many countries where these measures are being attempted, their broader implications have not been fully appreciated. This study was based on perspectives of 37 health system stewards from Botswana who were interviewed in order to understand opportunities and challenges that would result in the quest to expand health insurance coverage in the country. Thematic synthesis of their perspectives, focusing on the key aspects of the health systems, was done in order to draw informative lessons that could be applicable to a broader set of low-and middle-income countries. Health systems attempting to expand health insurance coverage would be faced with various opportunities and challenges that have implications on performance. By increasing the pool of resources available to spend on health, health insurance would afford health systems the opportunity to increase population access to and use of health services. However, if unchecked, this could also translate to uncontrolled demand for expensive medicines and other health technologies, leading to cost escalation and inefficiencies within the system. Therefore, the success of any health financing reform is dependent on embracing sound policies, regulations, and accountability measures. Health financing reforms have broader implications to health system performance that should be fully appreciated and anticipated before implementation."

According to the news reporters, the research concluded: "Therefore, health system leaders who are keen to improve health must view any health financing reforms through the broader framework of the health system framework in order to make progress."

For more information on this research see: Implementing Health Financing Reforms in Africa: Perspectives of Health System Stewards. Annals of Global Health, 2016;82(5):903-911. Annals of Global Health can be contacted at: Elsevier Sci Ltd, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, Oxon, England.

Our news correspondents report that additional information may be obtained by contacting T. Achoki, University of Utrecht, Center Pharmaceut Policy & Regulat, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Keywords for this news article include: Utrecht, Netherlands, Europe, Health Insurance, University of Utrecht.

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