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Purchasing health services under the Egypt's new Universal Health Insurance law: What are the implications for universal health coverage?

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  • Ahmed Yehia Khalifa
  • Jean Yacoub Jabbour
  • Awad Mataria
  • Magdy Bakr
  • Mai Farid
  • Inke Mathauer

Abstract

Background Egypt's Universal Health Insurance (UHI) Law of 2018 implies major transformation to the health financing system. This commentary provides an assessment of the purchasing arrangements as stipulated by the UHI Law and Bylaw, their implications and contribution to progress towards universal health coverage (UHC). The purpose of this assessment is to inform the multi‐year implementation process of the Law and propose options for progress towards UHC. Methods Guided by an analytical framework on purchasing, the qualitative analysis was based on the review of the legal provisions and structured discussions with key stakeholders. Results The Law foresees important changes, such as a purchaser‐provider split, stricter referral rules and regulated cost‐sharing. However, several purchasing aspects were not sufficiently specified in the legal provisions, for example benefit design and provider payment methods. It remains unclear for decision‐makers how to proceed, hindering the Law's effective implementation. There are also concerns about the mixed provider payment system creating incoherent provider incentives. Conclusion In view of the remaining legal unclarities on purchasing, progress towards UHC is restrained. Benefits design and the provider payment system should be further specified with a clearer governance structure around the purchasing decision‐making processes. Additional technical options for strategic purchasing are suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmed Yehia Khalifa & Jean Yacoub Jabbour & Awad Mataria & Magdy Bakr & Mai Farid & Inke Mathauer, 2022. "Purchasing health services under the Egypt's new Universal Health Insurance law: What are the implications for universal health coverage?," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(2), pages 619-631, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijhplm:v:37:y:2022:i:2:p:619-631
    DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3354
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    Cited by:

    1. Lucas Sato & Nourjelha Mohamed, 2022. "The role of social insurance schemes in addressing the risks faced by agricultural workers in the Middle East and North Africa," Research Report 80, International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth.
    2. Shokr, Hisham & Rishworth, Andrea & Wilson, Kathi, 2023. "Access to emergency care in Egypt: Tiered health care and manifestations of inequity," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 336(C).

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