The government has urged employers across the country to ensure that every employee is guaranteed access to medical treatment as Tanzania moves towards the implementation of Universal Health Insurance.
The Chief Medical Officer, Grace Magembe, made the call on March 10, 2026 in Dar es Salaam after delivering a presentation on preparations for Universal Health Insurance during a meeting with chief executives under the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania.
The meeting brought together leaders from government, the private sector and development partners to discuss the progress of the country’s plan to ensure health insurance coverage for all citizens.
Dr Magembe said employers have an important role in supporting the government’s goal of ensuring that every Tanzanian has access to essential healthcare services.
She explained that the government is strengthening the implementation of the Universal Health Insurance programme through innovative financing strategies and new funding mechanisms aimed at expanding access to health services.
According to her, the initiative seeks to guarantee that all citizens receive basic health services in health facilities across the country.
Dr Magembe noted that the government has already started implementing the Universal Health Insurance Act in phases. The first phase began on January 6, 2025 and focuses on identifying vulnerable households that require support.
More than 3.6 million families have already been digitally identified through collaboration between the Tanzania Social Action Fund and local government authorities.
The identification process is intended to ensure that vulnerable groups receive healthcare services through the new insurance framework.
She further said the government has established the Health Equity Fund to help cover treatment costs for citizens who cannot afford healthcare services.
The fund will support poor and vulnerable households by financing their medical care through different sources of funding.
Dr Magembe also said the government is working to reduce dependence on donor support in the health sector by strengthening domestic sources of financing and introducing new innovative mechanisms to fund healthcare services.
In addition, she noted that the government is promoting the growth of local pharmaceutical and medical product manufacturing industries to ensure reliable access to medicines and other health supplies.
The initiative is also expected to create employment opportunities while strengthening private sector participation in the health sector.
She encouraged investors to explore opportunities in the sector as the government continues to promote partnerships between the public and private sectors in the production of medicines and medical equipment in Tanzania.
The Universal Health Insurance programme is among the key reforms aimed at improving access to healthcare services and ensuring that all Tanzanians receive affordable and quality medical treatment.
