JU Hosts National Workshop on Universal Health Insurance Coverage

A Two days National workshop on Universal Health Coverage, Organized by the College of Business and Economics, Jimma University in Collaboration with Ethiopian Health Insurance Agency has taken place on June 2 and 3/2016 at JUCAVM hall under the slogan “Together we can promote Universal Health Coverage.”

After the attendants of the workshop took their seats, Dr. Taye Tolemariam, V/President for Academics, delivered a welcoming  speech representing the president of the University.  In his speech, Dr. Taye reiterated that Universal Health Coverage ensures all people to obtain health services they need without financial limitations.  He also noted that the workshop is timely and plays an important role in creating learning environment needed by the community. 

Following Dr. Taye, key-note address was made by Dr. Atakilti Abreha, Director General of Ethiopian Health Insurance Agency.  In his short address, Mr. Atakilti emphasized that implementing health insurance is not a choice rather a must to protect our people from catastrophic heath expenditure.  He also called upon governmental and non-governmental organizations and the community to relentlessly endeavor to make universal health coverage a reality.  He finally appreciated JU and other partners for their support of the journey so far.

Twelve different academic papers were presented at the workshop each of them followed by questions, suggestions and discussions.  Finally, the workshop has come to its end after a concluding remark by Dr. Wondaferahu Mulugeta, Dean of college of Business and Economics. He among others emphasized the instrumentality of the workshop in initiating discourse in the area and showing directions to policy makers. He has also underscored the commitment of JU to host more conferences to bring all stakeholders together, conduct more researches in the field to ensure more understanding of the challenges and also to work together with all relevant stakeholders to enhance coverage of health insurance in the country.

Awarding certificates to the participants, visiting JU campuses and dinner reception were the main proceedings of the closing program.