Private health sector players have emphasized that the development of affordable and innovative health insurance products will boost insurance uptake and address the healthcare funding gap. These remarks were made during the launch of J-Junior Medical Cover by Jubilee Health Insurance.
Experts noted that collaboration between the government and health stakeholders will not only enhance access to quality healthcare but also alleviate the financial burden on individuals and families due to high medical costs.
This follows recent findings in the World Bank’s 23rd Uganda Economic Update Report, which revealed that one million Ugandans slip into poverty annually due to out-of-pocket health expenses.
Progress towards universal health coverage
Despite this concerning statistic, the country has made remarkable strides towards achieving universal health coverage.
The percentage of households impoverished due to out-of-pocket expenditure on health has continued to decrease since 2005, highlighting that investments in the health sector are yielding positive outcomes.
Dan Musiime, Jubilee Health Insurance Chief Executive Officer, said that as key healthcare stakeholders, they closely monitor research that informs the state of the sector. “We are encouraged by the progress towards universal access to medical care.
As part of our company’s effort to significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses, we will continue to innovate affordable products that meet the diverse health needs of individuals,” he said.
Addressing gaps in children’s healthcare
Discussing the J-Junior product, Musiime noted that it was developed in response to recent statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Health, which revealed significant gaps in healthcare access and outcomes for children in Uganda.
Research shows that the under-five mortality rate stands at 46 deaths per 1,000 live births, with many children suffering from preventable illnesses due to a lack of timely medical care.
Promoting equity and social justice
“To promote equity and social justice, we must address mortality rates by offering solutions that ensure children have the opportunity to survive and thrive, regardless of their socio-economic background,” said Musiime. “J-Junior is the first comprehensive health insurance policy in Uganda designed specifically for children between 0-17 years, aiming to provide them with the essential healthcare they need,” he added.
The J-Junior policy can be got through the Jubilee Uganda website, partner banks, and licensed Jubilee Health Insurance agents and insurance brokers.
It offers several key benefits, including five levels of comprehensive cover, extensive coverage, a nationwide provider network, and financial support for funeral expenses.