NHIF staff in Manyara Region have appealed to the government to approve the registration of citizens under the proposed “Faraja” health insurance package, a low-cost scheme designed to expand access to medical services for more Tanzanian families.
The appeal was made on April 13, 2026, when the NHIF Board of Directors visited Manyara Region as part of its inspection tour to review the implementation of the Fund’s activities across Singida, Manyara, Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions.
Speaking during the engagement, NHIF Manyara Regional Manager Emmanuel Mwikwabe said field experience has shown a strong demand from citizens who are willing to join health insurance schemes but are limited by affordability challenges.
He said the proposed Faraja package, which is expected to cost about 150,000/- per year for a household of up to six members, has attracted interest from many families during ongoing community registration exercises.
Mwikwabe explained that many households that are not classified as extremely poor still struggle to afford existing insurance options, yet they remain highly vulnerable to medical costs when illness occurs.
He said the Faraja package would bridge this gap by offering an affordable entry point into health insurance.
He therefore appealed to the NHIF Board to support the proposal and engage the government so that registration under the package can begin, arguing that it would significantly increase coverage and help more families access treatment without financial stress.
Responding to the request, NHIF Board Chairperson Eliud Sanga said the proposal has been received and will be considered through the appropriate government channels.
He noted that expanding access to health insurance remains a key national priority and encouraged continued public education to ensure more citizens understand the benefits of joining health schemes.
Sanga directed NHIF staff to intensify awareness campaigns at community level, stressing that many citizens still lack sufficient information about available insurance options and how they can benefit from them.
He also called on staff to remain vigilant against fraud and misuse of the system, warning that dishonest practices reduce resources meant to improve services for members.
He said eliminating fraud will help ensure that funds are used properly to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
According to him, NHIF has continued to improve its performance and financial stability compared to previous years, thanks to ongoing reforms and increased membership contributions.
Sanga urged staff to remain committed, hardworking and innovative in reaching more citizens, saying that achieving universal health coverage requires strong teamwork and continuous engagement with communities.
He further emphasized the importance of good working relations among employees, noting that cooperation and unity within the institution are essential for delivering better services to the public.
NHIF Director General Dr. Irene Isaka praised staff for their dedication, particularly during the ongoing implementation of the Universal Health Insurance agenda, which focuses on enrolling households from vulnerable and low-income groups.
She said their efforts are helping the government move closer to its goal of ensuring that all Tanzanians can access quality healthcare services without facing financial hardship at the point of treatment.
