MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Godwin Molle, has emphasized that the Universal Health Insurance scheme is not a charity fund for the underprivileged, but rather a contributory system designed to provide health services to its members when they experience medical challenges.
Dr. Molle made the clarification while responding to a question in Parliament from Special Seats Member of Parliament, Hawa Mwaifunga, who sought to understand the government’s strategies to reduce the cost of insurance packages to benefit elderly citizens who lack financial means.
He noted that while the government is committed to inclusivity in healthcare, the UHI model is built on shared responsibility, where individuals contribute to access services, rather than relying on subsidies or free aid.
“The Universal Health Insurance is a national strategy for ensuring every citizen has access to healthcare, but it operates on a contributory basis. It is not a welfare program,” Dr. Molle stated.
The remarks come as Tanzania continues to implement the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda under its health sector reforms, which aim to provide equitable, affordable, and quality health services to all citizens.
Dr. Molle added that the government is exploring various approaches to make insurance affordable, including subsidies for vulnerable groups, especially the elderly and low-income earners.
The UHI law was passed in 2023 and is currently in its early stages of implementation. Authorities hope it will help bridge the gap between the wealthy and the poor in accessing medical services across the country.
