The government on January 17 approved the revision of health service tariffs, implying that people seeking treatment from medical facilities have to pay more money for some services. Here are three things to know about the new tariffs: The decision follows appeals from private medical facilities to review the existing health service tariffs to save them from losses and ensure sustainability of quality healthcare to patients. ALSO READ: Private health facilities body appeals for review of medical tariffs Rationale According to the Ministry of Health, the revision addresses the issue of outdated tariffs last updated in 2017 and were no longer aligning with the actual costs of healthcare services. It added that the government investments in advanced medical equipment and infrastructure have expanded access to high-quality treatments, requiring updated pricing to reflect these improvements. Affordable advanced services Prices for advanced services, such as medical imaging and radiology, have been decreased by 34 per cent, the ministry pointed out. For instance, the cost of a CT brain scan for patients covered by the community-based health insurance (CBHI) – also known as Mutuelle de Santé – has reduced from Rwf45,000 to Rwf16,283, with a co-payment of Rwf1,628 (down from Rwf4,500). Market-adjusted pricing for core services Essential services were adjusted to reflect actual costs while maintaining significant government subsidies. A normal (spontaneous) delivery – or giving birth without A C-section – at a public health facility, previously cost Rwf27,944. For this service, a CBHI beneficiary now has to pay Rwf1,126 (up from Rwf926), while insurance covers Rwf11,261. While some prices were reduced to reflect government’s investments in the required medical equipment for the benefit of citizens and such investments are long-term, the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, said that there are some services for which prices will go up, citing drugs whose costs changed compared to the 2017 situation. ALSO READ: Private medical body on why setting new medical tariffs is a matter of urgency Comprehensive tariff structure The new tariffs are tailored for CBHI, RAMA (medical insurance for salaried employees in the formal sector), and private insurances, the ministry pointed out. East African citizens to pay as Rwandans The ministry stated that specific rates for East Africans and international clients have also been established. Nsanzimana said that citizens of the East African Community [EAC] will be billed at the same prices as Rwandans when they come for treatment in the country, while there will be additional costs for Africans [outside of EAC], and nationals from other parts of the world. The Ministry of Health indicated that the tariffs will be reviewed every two years.
