As life’s unexpected moments can strike at any time, insurance has become as crucial as basic needs like food, water, and shelter.
Students at Mount Kigali University are embracing the necessity of medical insurance but are calling for a reconsideration of the recently introduced 20,000 Frw fee. They argue that while protection is essential, the price tag may be too steep, especially for those already covered under other insurance plans.
Some students have raised concerns about whether the university’s insurance will provide access to external healthcare facilities or be limited to the University Medical Centre (UMC). These questions have sparked a debate among the student body about the fairness and accessibility of the policy.
Students’ Perspectives
Angella Mutoni, a student in the Procurement and Supply Chain Management department, supports the idea of health coverage but believes the university should offer more flexibility.
“It’s a good initiative, but the cost is too high. Many of us already have insurance, like Mutuelle de Santé or RAMA, and it feels unnecessary to pay double,” Mutoni said, adding that for students who already have coverage, the fee be reduced to say Rwf 5,000.
Dan Taremwa, a Banking and Finance student, echoed this sentiment, adding that making the insurance optional could be a fair solution. “We appreciate that the university is thinking about our well-being, but it doesn’t make sense for everyone to pay the fee when some students already have insurance,” he said.
“It would be better if only those without coverage were required to pay,” Taremwa added. He also raised concerns about the insurance’s usability outside the campus, questioning what would happen if a student needed medical attention far from the university.
Administration’s Response
The university administration has taken notice of the students’ concerns. Dean of Students Lucy Uwimana explained that the policy was introduced in response to recommendations from the Rwanda Higher Education Council (HEC) – the regulatory body of higher institutions of learning in the country – which encouraged universities to provide medical insurance for their students.
“Students will benefit from this insurance, as it ensures they have access to healthcare. We’ve had situations where students fell ill and couldn’t get treatment because they lacked insurance. However, we will review the policy and see the way forward as we go on,” Uwimana said.
New University Medical Centre
The University Medical Centre, officially opened in August 2024, is the latest addition to the campus. It offers a range of services, including general consultations, minor surgical procedures, laboratory testing, and mental health counseling. The new policy makes medical insurance mandatory for all students from the start of the academic year in September 2024, ensuring they can access these services when needed. While the initiative aims to provide peace of mind to students, the university is expected to take feedback into account as it looks to strike a balance between affordability and comprehensive healthcare coverage for all.
Niyobugingo Wilton contributed on this Article
