NHIF urges farmers to insure against medical costs
DODOMA:THE National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has urged farmers and other Tanzanians to join health insurance schemes to avoid selling their assets, including farms, to meet unexpected medical expenses.
NHIF Manager for Marketing and Customer Services, Ms Angela Mziray, said yesterday that health insurance was an important financial protection mechanism, particularly for farmers whose livelihoods could be severely affected when illness strikes.
Speaking at the ongoing National ‘Nanenane’ Agricultural Exhibition in Dodoma, Ms Mziray said the government had put in place a system that enables people to contribute towards health insurance before falling sick, allowing them to access treatment when they need it.
“Health challenges can come without warning, and many people end up selling their assets and even farms to meet medical costs. The government has recognised this challenge and established a system where people can contribute a small amount before they become sick and secure access to healthcare,” she said.
She said NHIF was using the Nanenane exhibition to educate farmers and the public on the importance of health insurance and encourage more people to enrol under the national health insurance system.
According to her, insured members can access healthcare services from government health facilities across the country, as well as registered private and faith-based facilities.
Ms Mziray said having health insurance enabled families to protect their income and other resources instead of spending cash whenever a member fell sick.
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“The importance of having health insurance is fundamental for every Tanzanian. People should use their resources productively rather than spending them on medical treatment when there is already a government system designed to provide financial protection against healthcare costs,” she said.
She said the participation of NHIF in Nanenane was aimed at ensuring that farmers, who form an important part of the country’s economy, understood the benefits of health insurance and took advantage of the opportunities available to secure healthcare for themselves and their families.
Ms Mziray said the implementation of the country’s new health insurance law was also aimed at ensuring wider access to health insurance and making healthcare more accessible to Tanzanians.
She urged citizens to develop the habit of contributing towards health insurance as a way of preparing for unforeseen health needs.
“There is no better way to simplify life today than by having health insurance. Health insurance gives you assurance that when illness comes, you and your family can access treatment without being forced to sell your property,” she said.
She said NHIF would continue with public education campaigns through national and regional exhibitions and other platforms to increase awareness of health insurance.
“Health insurance for all, join now. Your health, your insurance,” Ms Mziray said.
She encouraged visitors attending Nanenane exhibitions to visit the NHIF pavilion to obtain information and guidance on available health insurance services and registration.
