Dr Mkuya urges political parties to use their platforms to promote universal health insurance countrywide

ZANZIBAR: POLITICAL parties in Tanzania have been urged to use their platforms to educate and encourage citizens to enrol in Universal Health Insurance, with health described as a fundamental right for every citizen regardless of political affiliation, age, gender or social status.

The call was made by Acting Minister of Health in Zanzibar, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, during a seminar that brought together members of the Council of Political Parties and experts from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to raise awareness about Universal Health Insurance.

Dr Mkuya said politicians have extensive networks that enable them to reach citizens at all levels, from local communities to the national level, giving them an important role as ambassadors for health and health insurance education.

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She said the involvement of political parties in raising awareness could improve public understanding of the importance of having health insurance and how insurance can help protect the health and wellbeing of families.

For his part, Chairman of the Council of Political Parties, Juma Ally Khatib, said the information provided during the seminar would be disseminated to political party leaders at the national, regional, district and ward levels, as well as to party members.

He said the leaders would be responsible for taking the information to citizens across the country, with the aim of increasing public awareness and participation in the Universal Health Insurance programme.