NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AND QUALITY HEALTH CARE IN THE LAWRA DISTRICT

Abstract

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has been designed to find a lasting, efficient, and acceptable solution to the nagging problem of health care financing. The introduction of the NHIS in 2003 sought to provide a clear way out and make quality health care not only affordable but also accessible. However six years down the lane after the introduction of the NHIS, health indicators still remains appalling in the Lawra District. The Study sought to find out whether the National Health Insurance Scheme is a viable option for increased access to quality health care delivery in the Lawra District. In collecting data for the study, the researcher employed questionnaires and focus groups discussions. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were also employed to select the respondents. The Research revealed that, the Lawra District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme (LDMHIS) is a viable option for increased access to health care delivery in the Lawra District; there is increased attendance to health facilities in the District as a result of the NHIS. However, the study revealed that quality in terms of convenient working hours, availability of drugs and qualified health professionals and acceptable time spend at facilities among others remains a challenge was in question. The LDMHIS is challenged by inadequate health personnel, and some lapses identified in the operations of the LDMHIS. The Researcher therefore recommends vigorous education of service providers and some key stakeholders as well as members to increase awareness on the operation by way of reducing abuse of the Scheme. Again, key stake holders should make conscious efforts to improve the operations of the LDMHIS.