The Impacts of Health Insurance System on Poverty Alleviation in Sudan: Case Study of the National Fund for Health Insurance in Khartoum State (2003-2009)

Abstract

The current paper analyzes the role of health insurance in mitigating poverty severity in Sudan the case study of National Fund for Health Insurance-Khartoum State. It is highlighting the role of health insurance in lifting the cost-burden of medical treatment on poor families. The principle target is to introduce problems that negatively affect individuals and the range health insurance covers in the society. Moreover, the paper shall analyze the necessary and basic needs of poor families related to covering risk of illness. That includes health services that health insurance system provides. Field surveys were conducted for real data from selected population in Khartoum State and were analyzed, graphically and with cross-tabulation. The primary observed findings are that there is lack of database in relation to poor families in the state. However, health centers were available overall parts of the state and localities. That is an indicative of more awareness that reduces the cost of transportation for the poor. Based on the findings, it is recommended that it is necessary to promote health services of high quality with less cost. Wealthy people should be motivated to pay. Moreover, it is vital to set up a mechanism to improve living circumstances of the poor categories.

Note: Downloadable document is in Arabic.

Keywords: Sudan, Social Parameters, National Health Insurance, Income, Poverty Impacts

JEL Classification: H50, H51, I00, I11