DOHA: The efforts taken to implement a compulsory health insurance scheme in the country is not good says 50 percent of respondents in a survey conducted by Al Sharq.
However, 33 percent of respondents to the survey have agreed the efforts are good, while 17 percent have refrained form expressing any view.
A statutory health insurance body was set up in 2011 under the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) to oversee the compulsory health insurance scheme, with preparations in progress to implement the first phase of the scheme by the end of this year. The scheme, once fully implemented will cover all the nationals and expatriates as well as visitors to the country.
The full implementation of the scheme would be completed by 2014.
Survey conducted by Al Sharq also asked its respondents what impact the health insurance system could make on prices in the private health sector.
Forty one percent of respondents said that it helps in decreasing the prices, while 25 percent of them said it doesn’t help, while seven percent refrained from stating their view.
The insurance scheme offers a minimum package at an ‘affordable’ premium. There is a clear standard regarding the cost and the quality of treatment.
Some types of treatment are not covered by the scheme. Therefore public has requested for an expansion of the insurance schemes to cover wider range of treatment.
Several others also believe that implementing a compulsory health insurance scheme is yet at an initial stage; therefore it needs more time to establish.
Abdullah Al Harami, a respondent to the survey said: “It is compulsory for every employer provide his employees with an insurance scheme. But at most places the scheme covers limited type of treatment, it would be better if they could expand it.” Dr Omar Al Dakruri another respondent said: “Implementing the health insurance system is very important, which will grant effective and fast treatment for the patients, whether they are expatriates or citizens.”
The Peninsula
