38,000 elderly in Geita to benefit from Universal Health Insurance
GEITA: ABOUT 38,000 elderly people in Geita Region have been identified to benefit directly from the Universal Health Insurance scheme, regional authorities have said.
Geita Regional Medical Officer, Dr Omari Sukari, revealed this during a meeting of the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) held in Geita town.
He said the initiative implements a pledge made by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan ahead of the October 2025 General Election.
Dr Sukari explained that the beneficiaries are elderly citizens who have already been identified, registered and issued special medical identification cards at no cost.
“We understand the challenges they face in accessing healthcare. The government has already allocated funds to ensure elderly citizens receive Universal Health Insurance cards,” he said.
According to Dr Sukari, a total of 201bn/- has been allocated nationwide to support special groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant women and economically disadvantaged families.
He added that the government continues to prioritise services for senior citizens through the slogan ‘Give Way to the Elderly for Service’.
ALSO READ: Tanzania to begin trials of universal health insurance.
Universal Health Insurance Coordinator from the Ministry of Health, Dr Neema Mtambo, said the government is fully prepared to ensure the scheme reaches all population groups.
“If we succeed in implementing Universal Health Insurance, all Tanzanians will benefit from affordable healthcare services,” she said.
Dr Mtambo added that the government is strengthening the health sector through increased recruitment of healthcare workers, procurement of medical equipment and construction of dispensaries and health centres nationwide.
Meanwhile, Geita Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Mr Elias Odhiambo, said programme evaluation will begin in January 2026 ahead of piloting the Universal Health Insurance scheme for special groups, including children and the elderly.
