Local leaders ask health insurance cards for IDs

WESTERN PROVINCE RUBAVU — Residents of Kanama Sector in Rubavu District have criticized local leaders over what they called harsh conditions required of them before issuing them the new National Identification (IDs) cards. The residents claim that local leaders are asking them to present next years’ health insurance cards (Mutuelle de sante) covering all their family members as a prerequisite to receive the new IDs. “We came to receive our IDs only to find unexpected new conditions imposed upon us in order to get them. I already have a new Mutuelle de santé card. My wife has one as well but they refused to give us IDs because some of our children haven’t got them,” complained Mubaraka Habineza one of the residents. He said that he was planning to get health insurance cards soon for all his children. “I have five children and I’m soon paying to get them mutuelle cards. Besides, we are still in 2008 and they all have this year’s cards,” he said. Contacted for a comment, Kanama Sector officer in charge of Good Governance and welfare Denie Ntakirutimana, said that it was the sector’s responsibility to have all residents in health insurance schemes. “We are doing this as a reminder. We are reminding residents to buy new Mutuelle cards because our next years’ target is having 100% of our residents covered. Asked about the fate of those who would have failed to have all their family members insured, Ntakirutimana, said however, that they would still get the IDs. “Some people have the money but are reluctant to join the health insurance scheme, many have bought them in order to receive these new IDs but at the end of the day, all residents will have their National Identity cards because it’s their right to have them. Whether insured or not they will all get their IDs,” he explained. Ends