Knowledge, Attitude and Perception Towards the Proposed National Health Insurance Policy in Uganda:

Abstract

Introduction: This study sought to determine the knowledge, attitude, and perception towards the proposed National Health Insurance policy in Uganda a case of Middle East Clinics. This is against the background, that health is a fundamental human right but the state of the health sector in Uganda is facing challenges of financing, and the ministry of health has proposed the National Health Insurance scheme as the most viable option of financing the health sector. The health insurance services were introduced in Uganda decades ago, but still subscription is too low with 131,600 subscribers in the SHI which makes 0.47% of the population. This therefore calls for the determination of knowledge, attitude and perception of the proposed National health Insurance Scheme before it is presented to the members of the public. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Using a case of Middle East clinics in Bugolobi, Kampala the Capital city of Uganda, quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection and analysis were engaged to conduct the study. Quantitative-descriptive and content analysis was undertaken. Results: There was a receptive response to the scheme. NHI will be the best method of financing the scheme, high level of prospected enrollment in the scheme, increased utilization of the health services, and a positive perception towards the scheme, were the identified key strengths of the scheme. The key weaknesses of the proposed NHI identified in this study were, most people are not knowledgeable about the scheme, the scheme may not improve the health services, and poor management of the scheme therefore it may not achieve its goals and objectives. Recommendation: The National Health Insurance Scheme remains to be the best way of financing the health sector, but the foreseen challenges should be addressed first to make it more effective and efficient.