MCF introduces healthcare system for children, mothers

DAR ES SALAAM: MEDICAL Credit Fund (MCF) has officially introduced the Afya Mkopo system in a move to improve healthcare services in the country and increase accessibility,

The initiative aims to transform the health sector in Tanzania and support the government in ensuring that healthcare services reach every citizen by the year 2030.

Speaking today, December 4, 2025, during a meeting held in Dar es Salaam that brought together MCF leaders and various health stakeholders, MCF Country Director Dr. Heri Marwa said that the Afya Mkopo system will help reduce deaths of children under the age of five as well as maternal mortality.

Dr. Marwa revealed that through the collaboration between MCF and Vodacom, more than 100 people from different regions have already benefited from the loans. Beneficiaries include owners of accredited drug shops, hospitals, and clinics, who have used the loans to boost their capital, purchase medical equipment, and ensure the availability of medicines for patients.

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Meanwhile, Business Advisor Digital Loan, Delfina Thomas, stated that the minimum loan offered is 200,000/-, while the maximum is 100,000,000/-. She added that the loans are easily accessible and are intended to help owners of pharmacies, hospitals, and laboratories obtain quick financing to grow their businesses.

Vodacom M-Pesa’s Planning and Reporting Manager, Hellen Komba, noted that the Afya Mkopo service aligns with Vodacom’s mission to reach citizens through financial services. She emphasized that through this partnership, healthcare sector entrepreneurs will greatly benefit from affordable loans.

One of the beneficiaries, Thadei Mlacha, a Business Manager from Nakiete Pharmacy, expressed his gratitude to MCF for introducing the Afya Mkopo system, saying the service will help business owners tackle financial challenges related to purchasing medical equipment and medicines.

“As business owners, we have welcomed this initiative positively because there are times when one experiences financial challenges when purchasing medicines to ensure that patients or customers access medicines at all times. I also urge my fellow business owners who were not invited to this event to make use of Afya Mkopo because it is a service with favorable conditions, especially for those registered in the Lipa kwa M-Pesa service, and its loan interest is much lower,” said Mlacha.