The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS Affairs has urged the government, through the Ministry of Health, to continue engaging private sector stakeholders, including hospital owners, to collaboratively refine the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Act 2025. This effort aims to enhance the effective implementation of universal health insurance.
The Acting Chairperson of the Committee, Cecil Mwambe, made this recommendation on March 8, 2025, after the government responded to concerns raised by the committee regarding proposed amendments to the NHIF Act 2025.
The response was presented by the Minister for Health, Hon. Jenista Mhagama, at the Parliament buildings in Dodoma.
"As a committee, we advise the government, through the Ministry of Health, to continue engaging its stakeholders, including hospital owners and private institutions, to ensure that the proposed NHIF Act 2025 is effectively implemented for the greater benefit of citizens," said Hon. Mwambe.
In response, Health Minister Jenista Mhagama affirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with private sector stakeholders, emphasizing that they are not competitors but partners working towards a common goal of providing quality healthcare services.
"I have continuously emphasized that we [the government] are not in competition with the private sector. Instead, we are partners united by a shared mission to serve the public.
We have taken note of the committee’s recommendations and will address them accordingly," said Minister Mhagama.
She further highlighted President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s significant investment in healthcare infrastructure, which has led to the construction of 10,044 health facilities across the country, ensuring citizens have access to medical services within a five-kilometer radius.
"We are deeply grateful to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for this transformative investment, which has significantly improved healthcare accessibility.
We are now reviewing policies to further integrate the private sector and expand healthcare coverage, ultimately reducing the distance citizens must travel for medical services," added Minister Mhagama.
Meanwhile, NHIF’s Legal Officer, Mr. Matamusi Fungo, explained that the fund has established various strategies to ensure its sustainability.
These include conducting periodic assessments every three years, as required by law, and implementing recommendations based on these evaluations.
"Additionally, we are strengthening our ICT systems to combat fraudulent activities involving some members, dependents, employers, fund employees, and healthcare facilities.
The fund also continues to regulate operational expenses in compliance with Section 33(1)(b) of the NHIF Act," said Mr. Fungo.