Health officials must enforce free priority services

DODOMA: THE government has directed Regional and District Medical Officers, as well as health facility in-charges, to strictly enforce national guidelines to ensure that citizens, especially priority groups have access health services without hindrance.

Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi, told the National Assembly yesterday that the government has officially launched the first phase of the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) Act, which covers key vulnerable groups. She said the groups include children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities and elderly people who lack financial means, adding that all beneficiaries under these categories will be fully covered by the government.

“With this phase now underway, pregnant women and children under five will continue receiving health services at no cost, fully financed by the government,” Dr Samizi said.

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The Deputy Minister was responding to a basic question from Ukonga MP Bakari Shingo (ACT–Wazalendo), who sought the government’s position on continued reports of pregnant women and children under five being charged for medical services in some health facilities.

Dr Samizi stressed that the government remains committed to implementing the 2007 National Health Policy, which clearly provides for free medical services to special groups. She explained that the policy requires pregnant women, children under the age of five and elderly persons aged 60 and above without financial capacity to receive treatment free of charge.

“These directives are very clear, and health facility managers must ensure full compliance so that eligible groups receive services freely as provided for in government policy,” she emphasised.

The Deputy Minister warned that any facility found violating the directive would face administrative action, noting that charging such groups is contrary to established government regulations.

She further called on health administrators across the country to strengthen supervision and accountability in order to protect the rights of vulnerable citizens.

Dr Samizi assured Parliament that the ongoing implementation of the UHI scheme will further strengthen access to health services and eliminate financial barriers for needy Tanzanians. She urged wananchi to report any incidents of unlawful charges so that corrective measures can be taken promptly.