MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding healthcare access for all citizens, describing the Universal Health Insurance scheme as a major social protection tool aimed at reducing inequality and shielding vulnerable families from financial hardship.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba said the programme goes beyond administrative reform, positioning it as a long-term investment in public welfare and national development. He noted that the scheme is designed to ensure that low-income households can receive medical care without being pushed deeper into poverty by treatment costs.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by Tanzania to strengthen its healthcare system and promote inclusive growth, particularly for communities that have historically struggled to afford quality medical services.
“The system we are putting in place is meant to close the gap between the rich and the poor when it comes to healthcare access,” Dr Nchemba told lawmakers. “No citizen should be forced to choose between seeking treatment and meeting basic family needs.”
He explained that by pooling resources through a national insurance framework, the government aims to create a sustainable funding model that supports hospitals, improves service delivery, and ensures continuous availability of essential medicines.
The Prime Minister was responding to a question raised by Dr Rita Kabati, a legislator representing Kilolo constituency, who sought clarification on how the government plans to educate citizens about the importance of enrolling in the scheme. She emphasized that public awareness would be critical to its success, especially in rural and low-income communities where misconceptions about insurance remain common.
In response, Dr Nchemba said a nationwide sensitization campaign is being prepared, involving local leaders, healthcare workers, religious institutions, and media platforms to explain how the system works and why participation is necessary. He added that special attention would be given to vulnerable groups to ensure no one is left behind.
Health experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that similar programmes in other countries have significantly improved health outcomes by increasing early treatment and preventive care. Universal coverage often leads to lower mortality rates, reduced disease spread, and improved productivity across the population.
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The policy aligns with global health trends promoting universal health care as a cornerstone of economic stability and human development. By reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses, governments can help families avoid catastrophic healthcare costs that frequently push them into poverty.
Dr Nchemba also linked the programme to broader goals of social protection, stressing that healthcare security is just as important as food security, education, and employment in building resilient communities.
While implementation challenges remain — including funding sustainability and service quality — the government insists that reforms are underway to strengthen health facilities, train personnel, and modernize insurance administration systems.
For many Tanzanians, especially those in informal employment and rural areas, the Universal Health Insurance scheme represents new hope for dignified access to treatment. Residents who once delayed hospital visits due to cost may soon be able to seek care earlier, improving recovery and reducing long-term complications.
As public education campaigns roll out in the coming months, authorities are urging citizens to embrace the initiative as a collective responsibility that will benefit the entire nation.
If fully implemented as planned, the programme could mark a turning point in Tanzania’s healthcare landscape — transforming medical access from a privilege into a guaranteed right for every citizen.
