Universal Healthcare in Ireland What can Ireland learn

Universal Healthcare in Ireland: What can Ireland learn from Malawi and Rwanda? Maegan Mc. Connell Travis Lyon Dr. Enida Friel Dr. Susan Murphy

Overview 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Study Rationale Research Question Methods Ireland’s Healthcare System Malawi’s Healthcare System Rwanda’s Healthcare System Suggestions to Ireland moving forward

Research Questions and Methodology • Do access inequalities exisit in the Irish healthcare system? • What lessons can Ireland learn from Malawi and Rwanda on the path to UHC? 56 documents Literature Review Content Analysis

Inequalities in the Irish Healthcare System • IMO has stated that the current two-tiered healthcare system has contributed towards historical inequalities • Austerity mandated harsh cuts to health budgets; Ireland had the worst cut of any OECD country. • As the health budget shrunk, public demand subsidization via medical cards increased while the number of privately insured decreased.

Inequalities in the Irish Healthcare System

Inequalities in the Irish Healthcare System

Future of the Irish System • 2014 White Paper proposing Universal Health Insurance for a one tier system. • Competing private insurance companies would be forced to provide a basic service basket. • Reducing healthcare workers and worker wages to reduce costs. • Plans dictate healthcare providers.

Malawian Healthcare System • Strong movement towards UHC • Creation of an Essential Health Package focused on primary and preventative care. • Recent Health Sector Strategic Plan aims to increase healthcare workers and service quality. • Continued monitoring and evaluation • Increased health budget: Taxes & Services • Right to health in Malawian constitution

• • The Rwandan Healthcare System Big changes since 1995 Mutuelle de Santé healthcare system Community based health insurance (CBHI) Focus on primary and preventative care; strong political will, leadership, cross ministerial collaboration

Suggestions to Ireland Social Health Insurance, not Private Health Insurance Creation of a standard care package for all Investing in healthcare workers, not reducing Focus on primary and preventative care to reduce long term healthcare costs • Continuous evaluation of UHC packages introduced, services and outcomes. • Political will, leadership, cross ministerial collaboration, transparency and accountability • Introduction of Right to Health Care in Irish Constitution • •

Thank You. Questions?