MWE Correspondent
Tanzania has taken a major step toward affordable healthcare for all with the official launch of the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) scheme, which comes into force today, Monday, January 26, 2026.
The programme is designed to remove financial barriers that have long prevented many citizens from accessing quality medical services, especially among low-income and vulnerable households.
The rollout follows the full implementation of the Universal Health Insurance Act of 2023, a law that makes health insurance compulsory for every Tanzanian. The legislation was approved by Parliament in late 2023, signed into law by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and later published in the Government Gazette, clearing the way for nationwide enforcement.
At the heart of the reform is the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage — a global health goal that ensures all people receive the care they need without suffering financial hardship. Through the UHI framework, Tanzania aims to unify previously fragmented insurance arrangements into a single, stronger national system that can sustainably support healthcare financing.
According to the Ministry of Health, the initial phase will focus on protecting vulnerable groups, including elderly citizens, children, pregnant women, and people living with disabilities. Their insurance contributions will be fully paid by the government, allowing them to receive essential medical services without direct costs.
To ensure transparency and curb misuse of public funds, authorities are introducing biometric verification tools, including fingerprint and facial recognition technology — systems commonly used in biometric identification worldwide to improve service accountability.
Regional commissioners across the country have been assigned direct responsibility for overseeing enrollment and implementation within their jurisdictions. The move is intended to speed up registration, improve local monitoring, and ensure that eligible households are not left behind.
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Under the scheme, households will receive coverage for a defined package of essential health services, delivered through accredited facilities operating within the national referral healthcare system. This structure is expected to streamline patient care while improving service standards and efficiency.
Health policy experts have welcomed the reform, noting that high out-of-pocket medical expenses have historically pushed many families into poverty. By expanding formal insurance coverage, Tanzania is expected to significantly reduce preventable deaths, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and strengthen public confidence in the healthcare system.
The UHI also builds on the country’s existing experience with national medical insurance models, as outlined in health insurance in Tanzania, while expanding protection to reach every citizen regardless of income or employment status.
Public education campaigns are now underway to help communities understand how the new system works, their rights under the law, and how to register for coverage.
As the programme begins its nationwide rollout, government leaders say the focus will remain on smooth implementation, continuous monitoring, and gradual expansion of benefits. If successfully managed, the Universal Health Insurance scheme could become one of Tanzania’s most impactful social reforms, reshaping access to healthcare for millions and setting a strong example for the region.
