GCLA: UHI crucial for users of chemicals

THE Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) has underscored the importance of the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) among the users of industrial and domestic chemicals as it would help them access medical services once affected by the hazardous chemicals.

Chief Government Chemist Dr Fidelice Mafumiko said the authority always educates users on proper use of chemicals, however, dangerous chemicals may cause accidents or affect health of users if improperly used.

Improper use of hazardous chemicals may lead to accidents or cause Non-communicable diseases such as cancer, respiratory problems and others.

“In the course of accidents or health effects, the Universal Health Insurance will help the users of chemicals, especially those working at mines or small scale entrepreneurs who use chemicals for producing domestic products such as soap or detergents,” Dr Mafumiko stated over the weekend as he spoke about the envisaged UHI.

The UHI Bill was read for the first time in the Parliament recently and it is now set for public hearing before tabled for the second time in the Parliament.

“When this Bill is passed will assure access of treatment to people. When people fall sick while don’t have insurance it makes it hard for them to afford paying medical bills. Sometimes leads people to poverty since they are forced to direct their financial resources to treatment instead of development activities,” Dr Mafumiko stated.

He asked citizens to read the Bill so as to understand its content.

Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu recently said it was not compulsory for Tanzanians to register with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Alternatively, explained Ms Mwalimu, they could decide to join private insurance companies, if they wished to.

She said before the Bill was tabled for the second reading in November this year, the Parliamentary committee on social services and development will seek opinions from citizens on how best to handle the UHI.

Ms Mwalimu said if Parliament approved the Bill in November, the implementation of the UHI would kick off on July 1, 2023.