State Minister of Health, Dr. Patrick Ndimubanzi has affirmed that letting Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) take charge of Mutuelle Health insurance did not hamper with service delivery at health facilities.
“Nothing changed in terms of health service delivery. A Mutuelle cardholder still has access to treatment, drugs and an ambulance when needed,” said Ndimubanzi.
Appearing on a talk show aired on the national radio on Sunday, the state Minister said the shift of Mutuelle to Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) was not a sudden decision.
“The feasibility study and meetings were conducted for a year and over,” he guaranteed.
Instead, added Dr. Ndimubanzi, moving mutuelle health insurance to RSSB has helped address past lingering issues about the fund.
This was also cemented by local government Minister Francis Kaboneka. “The problem of mismanagement of funds was addressed and transparency in both service provision and funds is being implemented,” he said.
Kaboneka disclosed that transparency issues would arise from the service provider being the very one to receive mutuelle payment dues but the two services were set apart recently.
The two officials said that routine mutuelle sensitization campaigns got 52% of Rwandans to register with the insurance in just a month. On a daily basis, health service providers start with wooing patients into joining the less costly insurance scheme.
Concerning the hard registration process, the Local government minister said transferring mutuelle registration to cell level is bearing fruits.
Residents also welcomed the move. “We are now assured of a smart process that doesn’t require spending a day on along queue and missing out on productive work,” says Jacqueline Uwimana, a resident of Kigali City.
RSSB is using the help of more than 2000 people dispatched in different districts to ensure registration and acquiring health cards is a swift process.
Mutuelle health insurance has been credited for simplifying health care over the years. A mutuelle cardholder gets treatment at Rwf200 ($0.25).