1.3. Statement of the problem
According to Hellman and Atim C (1999:143). An estimated 1.3
billion people worldwide lack access to effective, affordable healthcare, while
millions of households worldwide every year face financial ruin as a direct
result of large medical bills. To reduce such large medical bills there is a
need to share the bills through community based health insurance. With the help
of community based health insurance schemes, health costs are minimized and
these costs would be invested in profitable ventures/investments to reduce
poverty.
However; there is this policy of community based health
insurance, in Rwanda, beneficiaries still facing the above problem of large
medical bills. Hence poor or inappropriate healthcare service in Rwanda and in
Ruganda sector in particular. Basing on the above problem, the researcher
intended to examine, «The contribution of Rwandan health insurance
(Mutuelle de santé) in Economic development of Rwanda.
1.4. Purpose of the study
This study aimed at examining the reciprocity between mutual
health insurance scheme and its contribution towards the economic development
of Rwanda.
1.5. Objectives of the study
This study has both general and specific objectives.
1.5.1.
General objective
The general objective of this study was to examine whether
there is a contribution of Mutual health insurance scheme (Mutuelle de
santé) to the Economic development.
1.5.2.
Specific objectives
i. To find out the functioning of Mutual health insurance
scheme in Ruganda sector;
ii. To find out if improved health status of the people has
the impact on Economic development in Ruganda sector,
iii. To identify the challenges encountered by both mutual
health officials and the beneficiaries of mutual health insurance in Ruganda
sector.
1.6.
The research questions
i. What is the functioning of
Mutual health insurance scheme in Ruganda?
ii. What is the impact of improved health status of the
citizens on the Economic development in Ruganda sector?
iii. What are the challenges encountered by both the officials
and beneficiaries of Mutual health insurance in Ruganda sector?
1.7. Scope of the study
This research was carried out in Ruganda sector and covers a
selected sample of households living in cells that made up Ruganda sector.
Findings of this study were based on the analysis of the views of surveyed
households in this sector. It involved a survey of households benefiting from
Mutual health insurance from the period of 2010-2011.
1.8.
Significance of the study
Firstly, this study complemented the various academic courses
undertaken in the domain of Economics and Business Studies. Besides; this
research enabled the researcher to get his Bachelor's Degree in Commerce and
Applied Economics with specialization in Economics.
To Umutara Polytechnic and other Higher Learning Institutions
in Rwanda, the results from this study constituted the secondary data as the
literature review for future researchers on the same or related topics or
field. This study expected to equip the researcher with appropriate and
suitable skills and experience in conducting important future researches.
Research findings are expected to be helpful to the
policy-makers in Rwanda in formulating policies in favor of rural development
especially those aimed at reducing poverty and improving health status of the
beneficiaries. The study intends to help the rural beneficiaries to know and
understand the benefits of Mutual health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé)
for easy and better health accessibility.
The government of Rwanda enlightened with the functioning and
the contribution of Mutual Health Insurance schemes in general and Health
status of the citizens in particular to the economic development of Rwanda.
Therefore, the need to be more improved. Finally, this study also intends to
highlight beneficiaries' perceptions on the current implementation of Mutual
health insurance policy. This helped to make necessary adjustments of the
health policies depending on the wishes of the beneficiaries.
| 
