By The Respondent reporter
Dodoma— More than 1.2 million impoverished households in Tanzania are set to benefit from the government’s Universal Health Insurance Scheme aimed at providing healthcare access to those who cannot afford it.
The Minister for Health, Jenista Mhagama announced October 23, 2024, while presenting a progress report on the implementation of the Universal Health Insurance Act to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS, chaired by MP Elibariki Kingu.
According to Minister Mhagama, Tanzania Mainland has approximately 14.8 million households, of which 3.9 million are considered financially disadvantaged.
Out of these, 1.2 million households, accounting for 32.3%, will be prioritized under the scheme. These households, classified as being in extreme poverty, are identified through the Tanzania Social Action Fund (Tasaf), which runs programs aimed at alleviating poverty.
"Section 25 of the Universal Health Insurance Act No. 161 establishes a fund to support health insurance for those in need. The government is committed to covering the health insurance costs for the 1.2 million households recognized as living in extreme poverty," Minister Mhagama explained.
She added that the Ministry of Health is actively collaborating with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers and development partners, to ensure the effective implementation of the Universal Health Insurance Scheme. This initiative will offer a safety net for economically disadvantaged citizens, enabling them to access essential healthcare services.
Minister Mhagama further emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of healthcare services. These efforts include upgrading healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the availability of medicines and medical equipment, developing specialized medical personnel, and enhancing emergency obstetric and neonatal care (CEMONC) services at the primary healthcare level.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Irene Isaka, Director of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), reaffirmed the fund's commitment to providing quality healthcare to its members. She highlighted the NHIF's role in implementing healthcare guidelines and educating the public about healthy lifestyles, with a focus on reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Isaka also pointed out that many individuals join the health insurance scheme when they are already unwell, leading to a mismatch between the cost of services provided and the contributions collected. The introduction of the Universal Health Insurance Act is expected to address this challenge by promoting early-enrollment and broader participation.
The NHIF continues to use various platforms, including television, radio, and social media, to raise public awareness about the importance of enrolling in health insurance to ensure access to affordable healthcare for all Tanzanians.