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Ron Ashkin
International Development Economist • Sustainable Development Economics
Ron Ashkin is the Technical Director for Private Sector Partnerships in Health (PSPH) at DT Global. He is an international development economist with a strong focus on pro-poor private sector development in emerging markets. His expertise lies in creating sustainable business models that benefit marginalized communities.
Professional Background
- Specialization: Ashkin specializes in pro-poor private sector development, emphasizing sustainable practices that address the challenges faced by emerging economies.12
- Consulting Philosophy: His consulting approach is centered on ensuring that clients see tangible improvements post-engagement, reflecting his commitment to impactful development work.3
Current Role
In his role at DT Global, Ashkin leverages his extensive experience to foster partnerships that enhance health outcomes through private sector involvement. He is currently based in Nairobi, where he continues to engage with various stakeholders to promote effective solutions in health and economic development.4
Online Presence
For more detailed insights into his professional journey and contributions, you can visit his LinkedIn profile or personal website, where he shares his thoughts on international development and sustainable practices.12
Highlights
🌟 Highlights from the Somaliland Health Insurance Forum 🌟
We are pleased to share successful outcomes of the Somaliland Health Insurance Forum recently held in Hargeisa. Hosted by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation’s Private Sector Partnerships in Health (PSPH), this pioneering event brought together 115 participants, with key stakeholders from the National Insurance Authority (NIA), local insurance companies, financial institutions, health service providers, INGOs, and community leaders discussing Somaliland’s emerging market for health insurance.
Key Insights: 🗣️ The forum covered emerging trends, policy changes, and challenges in Somaliland's health insurance sector. Keynote speakers and expert panellists provided insights into developing affordable insurance products and leveraging technology for wider accessibility. 📈 Despite being in its early stages, the health insurance market in Somaliland is witnessing significant developments. Local companies like Wadaag Insurance are leading the way with affordable products for the mass market. However, uptake remains low, and continued market development is needed. 🤝 Partnerships between insurers, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and policymakers are important. Collaborations are essential for addressing market gaps and creating a more comprehensive health insurance system. 📢 Strategies to raise awareness and stimulate demand among the population were a significant part of the dialogue. Public education campaigns will play a crucial role in informing citizens about the benefits of health insurance and how to enroll.
Speaker Highlights: 🗨️ Abdirahman Muse, Director of NIA: "The government's role in fostering an enabling environment for the growth of the insurance sector is crucial. We are committed to developing regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency, consumer protection, and industry standards." 🗨️ Joseph Githinji, Health Insurance Expert, Swiss TPH: "Affordable health insurance is not only a vital tool for improving public health outcomes but also a lucrative business opportunity. It can drive economic growth by reducing the financial burden of medical expenses on families." 🗨️ Sulaiman Egeh, CEO of Wadaag Insurance: "Every 1000 miles starts with the first step. Despite the challenges, we are committed to pioneering health insurance for the mass market. Spreading awareness and increasing participation are crucial for reducing costs and making health insurance accessible to more people."
The NIA will sponsor a follow-up forum to deepen the discussion; PSPH provides ongoing technical assistance and capacity-building for local insurance companies and broader industry stakeholders.
DT Global East Africa implements PSPH in partnership with SORDI and Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, to bring accessible, affordable, quality healthcare to all.
#PSPH #HealthInsurance #Somaliland #HealthcareInnovation #SDC #WeAreDTGlobal #SwissTPH #SORDI
🌟 Exciting Update from Mogadishu! 🌟 I am delighted to share that we successfully held the first-ever Mogadishu Health Insurance Forum on April 30th, 2024! 🎉
On April 30, SDC-supported Private Sector Partnerships in Health (PSPH), implemented by DT Global with partners SORDI and Swiss TPH, convened the First Mogadishu Health Insurance Forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities in improving health insurance penetration and awareness in Somalia. We brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including insurance companies, financial institutions, health providers, government officials, and social representatives. A total of 95 participants attended, reflecting the significance of the topic and the interest of diverse stakeholders in advancing healthcare accessibility for all.
Highlights: Dr. Abdi Dalmar warmly welcomed our guests and presented PSPH's role in supporting health insurance for the mass market.
Following Dr. Dalmar's presentation, global health Insurance experts Joseph Githinji and Siddharth Srivastava from Swiss TPH discussed the human development aspect and the business case for mass-market health insurance. Subsequently, Mr. JP Otieno from Maisha Poa shared case experiences from Kenya.
Dr. Shukri, Baraka Takaful Insurance Health Director, focused on the creation of Kaaliye Care, Somalia's inaugural mass-market health insurance product, highlighting the pivotal role of PSPH in the development of Kaaliye Care.
Sheikh Abdixayi, a religious scholar, explored the Islamic perspective on insurance and its compatibility with religious principles. He concluded with a quote, "O Allah, insure us and let us insure ourselves."
An expert panel, comprising Dr. Dalmar (SORDI), Mr. Yasin Ibar, CEO of the Somali Bankers’ Association, Dr. Abdirahman Awale, Director of PPD unit Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Mr. Zakaria, Director of Baraka Takaful Insurance, and Dr. Suleyman, Director of KalKaal Hospital, discussed challenges, opportunities, affordability, accessibility, and the role of the private sector and financial institutions in promoting health insurance in Somalia.
Senator Dufle from the Upper House of Somalia concluded by expressing gratitude to PSPH for convening stakeholders and emphasized the significance of health insurance in the nation’s future.
The First Mogadishu Health Insurance Forum established meaningful dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to improving healthcare access in Somalia. PSPH and its partners remain dedicated to driving positive change and sustainable solutions for the benefit of the entire population.
Stay tuned for more updates and initiatives aimed at advancing healthcare accessibility and improving health outcomes for our community. Together, we can make a difference! 💪
#PSPH #SDC #DTGlobal #SwissTPH #SORDI #BarakaTakaful #MogadishuHealthInsuranceForum #HealthcareAccess #UniversalHealthCoverage #MSD
