NHIF launches nationwide drive to promote new e-card service

DAR ES SALAAM: THE National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign to promote the use of its newly introduced electronic card (e-card) service, aiming to enhance efficiency and ease of access to health services for both customers and service providers across the country.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily News in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, NHIF Senior Public Relations Officer, Mr Charles Madangi, said the e-card, which was launched earlier this year, has proven to be a game-changer in digitising and simplifying health insurance services in Tanzania.

“NHIF is currently conducting awareness campaigns to encourage our customers to embrace the e-card, which is easy to carry and grants access to all registered service providers nationwide,” Mr Madangi said during the exhibition in Dar es Salaam held as part of the Workers’ Compensation Fund (WCF) anniversary commemoration.

According to Mr Madangi, NHIF currently insures over five million individuals, all of whom are being targeted in this public education drive.

The aim is to facilitate a smooth transition from traditional physical cards to the more advanced and secure e-cards. He explained that the new e-card comes with several advantages.

It is lightweight, integrated with the National Identification Number (NIN) and provides strong protection against fraudulent activities.

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Furthermore, the e-card can be used by both the insured individuals and their beneficiaries to access health services from more than 10,000 health service providers.

These include dispensaries, regional hospitals, zonal hospitals and national hospitals located across both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

On his part, NHIF Senior Membership Officer Mr Fridolin Edward emphasised that the sensitisation and education efforts are being conducted through various platforms, including social media, community events and exhibitions.

The goal is to ensure the public understands how to utilise the e-card and access self-service options more conveniently.

“This initiative complements the government’s broader efforts to ensure that all Tanzanians can access affordable and insured healthcare, contributing to a healthier nation,” he said.

The NHIF e-card is expected to bring a positive transformation in the health insurance sector by reducing paperwork, minimising fraud and offering faster, safer and more convenient service to millions of Tanzanians.