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Catherine W Gichuki
Doha
THE new National Health Insurance Scheme, which is expected to be launched in January next year, will be 'foolproof' unlike the erstwhile insurance plan or 'Seha', said Chief Executive Officer of Al Ahli Hospital Khalid al Emadi.
Popularly known as 'Seha', the Qatari-only insurance cover was withdrawn in December, last year.
"I think the risk that the government took in 'Seha' will not be there in the new scheme as it would be transferred to the insurance companies now," Emadi told Qatar Tribune.
According to Emadi, with private insurance companies expected to compete against each other to provide health insurance under the new scheme, it will be the most cost effective scheme providing the best coverage.
"Al Ahli Hospital has about 34 insurance agreements with 34 companies currently operational in Qatar, both local and international. If any of these companies is given contract by the government, it will be in the interest of the people," he said, adding that the insurance providers will have no other option but to offer competitive rates to get largest number of clients.
"We, however, believe that if the insurance is provided through local companies, it will be much safer for the providers, government and beneficiaries," he pointed out.
Emadi stressed that the hospital is prepared for the launch of the new scheme in January in terms of capacity and has also kept additional doctors for the purpose.
Speaking on the issue, Dr Islam Zakaria, Doha Clinic Hospital Insurance Director, said that his hospital is yet to start preparation for the next insurance scheme and they are actually waiting for the new specifications.
"First of all, we need to know what we are going to deal with. We are not sure whether the insurance plan will be only for Qataris or whether expatriates also will be included," he said.
"We are still unsure whether it will be launched in phases or all at once. Therefore, we are waiting for a structure to start our own preparations."
He added that at present patients are visiting the clinic with either their own insurance coverage or need to make cash payments.
full report on page 16
