Ensuring financial access to emergency obstetric care: Three years of experience with Obstetric Risk Insurance in Nouakchott, Mauritania

Abstract Introduction: The high cost of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) is a catastrophic health expenditure for households, causing delay in seeking and providing care in poor countries. Methods: In Nouakchott, the Ministry of Health instituted Obstetric Risk Insurance to allow obstetric risk shari...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2007-11, Vol.99 (2), p.183-190
Main Authors: Renaudin, P, Prual, A, Vangeenderhuysen, C, Ould Abdelkader, M, Ould Mohamed Vall, M, Ould El Joud, D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Delivery, Obstetric - economics
Emergency Medical Services - economics
Fees and Charges
Female
Financing
Health Services Accessibility - economics
Humans
Insurance Pools
Maternal Health Services - economics
Maternal Welfare
Mauritania
Mutual health organization
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital - economics
Pregnancy
Program Evaluation
Quality of Health Care - trends
Risk Assessment
Safe motherhood
Voluntary Programs
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Introduction: The high cost of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) is a catastrophic health expenditure for households, causing delay in seeking and providing care in poor countries. Methods: In Nouakchott, the Ministry of Health instituted Obstetric Risk Insurance to allow obstetric risk sharing among all pregnant women on a voluntary basis. The fixed premium (US$21.60) entitles women to an obstetric package including EmOC and hospital care as well as post-natal care. The poorest are enrolled at no charge, addressing the problem of equity. Results: 95% of pregnant women in the catchment area (48.3% of the city's deliveries) enrolled. Utilization rates increased over the 3-year period of implementation causing quality of care to decline. Basic and comprehensive EmOC are now provided 24/7.The program has generated US$382,320 in revenues, more than twice as much as current user fees. All recurrent costs other than salaries are covered. Conclusion: This innovative sustainable financing scheme guarantees access to obstetric care to all women at an affordable cost.
ISSN:0020-7292
1879-3479
DOI:10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.07.006