Changing World of Health Care Finance- Private and Social Health Insurance

摘要

The way in which healthcare is financed is critical for equity in access to healthcare. A common feature of all health systems is the distinction between public and private health care. This distinction refers to both the finance and the provision of health services. Before launching any major health initiative, there ought to be a well articulated vision of health care system for the country, and public health policy must be devised to realise that vision. Ideally, certain basic health services, including inpatient care, must be made available to every member of the society[19]. These services must be paid through insurance, which means that every member must have health insurance cover or at least have access to health insurance, with government subsidising insurance premium, in full or in part, for those who cannot afford it. Health insurance gives the insured population an entitlement to health services. It is therefore important to ensure that the health infrastructure exists to provide those services and that there is some incentive to comply with the insurance. Skill-building for the personnel involved, and capacity-building of all the stakeholders involved, would be a critical component for ensuring the success of any health insurance programme.