Abstract:
This study aimed to explore the opportunities and challenges of community-based health
insurance among service users in Gondar Zuria Woreda, Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. A
qualitative study approach was applied Purposive sampling technique was employed in
selecting study participants Data were collected from insured households who are members of
community based health insurance, sector representatives, and owners of private health
institutions. A total of nineteen (ten in-depth interviews; three key informants and one FGD
with six participants) were participated. Thematic data analysis technique was employed to
analyse the collected data. The findings of the study showed that there are basic available
opportunities for implementing of community based health insurance scheme in the study
area. These are: the acceptance, trust of the community, the commitment of political leaders
and the availability of nearest health institutions. The main challenges of the community
based health insurance scheme are the shortage of drugs, lack of awareness, financial
constraints, and lack of medical equipment. Thus by using various coping mechanisms such as
consecutive awareness creation, accessibility of exhaustive health care service, medical
equipment's for any treatment, availability of drugs for the insured households at both
government and contracted private pharmacies at any time can help to sustain or increase the
numbers of community based health insurance performances. The findings are going to have
implications for social work, for further research, and policy.
