Private Health Consumers Rights Protection Program in Independent Private Health Subsector

Private Health Consumers Rights Protection Program in the Independent Private Health Subsector 

The Uganda National Association of Private Hospitals (UNAPH) is dedicated to effective health consumer rights and redress as one of the driving forces in elements of change in private sector health services (Private-for-Profit PFP sub-sector). UNAPH was formed in 2006 with one of the objectives as to protect the rights of private health consumers.

UNAPH strives to promote effective health human rights advocacy in private health services in the PFP private sector settings. This is an integral part of key policy and decision-making processes affecting many Ugandans. The organization intends to provide a strong voice for consumers, their families and the community. In sharing the experience of health service provision malpractices, the organization addresses common issues and encourages people to seek help and redress. 

UNAPH will establish an oversight mechanism of Health Standards Compliance with the task of ensuring that Private-for-Profit (PFP) private healthcare providers around the country comply with minimum standards set by the government and law. The mechanism will have two objectives among others: attending to complaints by private health consumers and ensuring compliance by PFP private healthcare professionals and institutions with government norms and standards.

The mechanism will have three units (Inspectorate, Accreditation, and Ombudsman) that will carry out several different functions, including:

• Collaborating with the Ministry of Health  on the development of norms and standards for the PFP health sub-sector;
• Making sure that PFP private health establishments comply with set norms and standards;
• Issuing certification of compliance to private healthcare facilities; and
• Investigating complaints.

The Ombudsman role, assisted by the Inspectorate, will be required to investigate any complaint of improper conduct by a PFP healthcare facility and liaise with the MOH who will have subpoena powers.

In the meantime, UNAPH has drafted a Hospital Accreditation Manual and Survey Guide and is preparing to invite all stakeholders and interested persons to submit comments on the program.