Several state and district hospitals in Mongolia have recently announced a shift to providing paid services, a move that has drawn significant public concern. However, the General Health Insurance Agency clarified on November 21, 2024, that public hospitals are continuing to offer care and services at discounted rates for those covered by health insurance.
Official Statements on the Health Insurance Fund Crisis
Minister of Health T. Munkhsaikhan acknowledged challenges facing the Health Insurance Fund, citing contract overruns in major state hospitals. “The Health Insurance Fund is indeed facing difficulties, and certain contracts with major hospitals have exceeded their limits. However, essential healthcare services have not been halted,” he stated.
Despite these assurances, many citizens report discrepancies between official statements and their experiences, as some hospitals have begun charging for services traditionally covered by the fund.
Paid Services Begin in Bayanzurkh District
From November 21, 2024, the Bayanzurkh District Health Center in Ulaanbaatar announced that certain services, including comprehensive outpatient care, X-rays, ultrasounds (excluding fetal ultrasounds), dental treatment, and daycare, will now require direct payment from patients. These services are no longer funded by the General Health Insurance Agency.
Hospitals’ Funding Challenges
Minister Mönkhsaikhan explained that hospitals are required to operate within their annual budget allocations from the Health Insurance Fund. Institutions such as the National Center for Traumatology, the Third Central Hospital, and the Mongolia-Japan Hospital have reportedly exhausted their contracts with the General Health Insurance Agency. Nevertheless, the Ministry insists funding for services is being maintained.
Public Reaction
The decision to charge for services traditionally subsidized has sparked widespread criticism, with many citizens questioning the sustainability and equity of the healthcare system. Critics argue that the transition to paid services reflects systemic issues in health insurance funding and management.
As this situation unfolds, it underscores the importance of addressing structural challenges within Mongolia’s healthcare financing to ensure accessible and affordable care for all citizens.
