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Samia signs three bills into law, says Dr Tulia

DODOMA: NATIONAL Assembly Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson said President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has signed three bills into law including the Universal Health Insurance.

Reading a report in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Dr Tulia named other laws as Miscellaneous Amendments No. 4 of 2023 and Amendments of Act of Law Sector No. 11 of 2023.

The Universal Health Insurance law has been a call and President Samia’s decision is a significant move towards improving healthcare accessibility in the country.

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The enactment of the law aimed at ensuring health coverage for all Tanzanians, especially from lower-income brackets, marks a historic moment in the country’s healthcare sector, she said.

Health Minister Ms Ummy Mwalimu expressed deep gratitude to President Samia for her commitment to the health and well-being of the Tanzanian people.

Speaker Tulia said the signed bills were endorsed during the 13th session as per Parliament Standing Orders.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her concern towards the health of her citizens, particularly those from lower-income groups,” said the Minister.

This development paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system in the country.

Minister Mwalimu emphasised the government’s focus on ensuring the efficient implementation of the new law.

The primary goal is to enable Tanzanians, especially those with limited financial resources, to access quality healthcare services without the barrier of cost.

The Universal Health Insurance Law represents a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage, a core objective of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By providing health insurance for all, Tanzania is setting a precedent in the region for prioritising health equity and accessibility.

Minister Ummy said that the government has heavily invested in the construction of dispensaries, health centres, district hospitals and referral hospitals to ensure people have access to the services in closer proximity.

In the case of medicines and medical equipment, the budget has been increased massively, noting that efforts are being made to further reduce the human resource gap for Tanzanians to enjoy quality and timely services.

She said that the UHC scheme is meant to help Tanzanians not to strain much, to the extent of selling meager resources to pay for their patients’ medical bills