SMZ clarifies rights of dependents under ZHIF

ZANZIBAR: THE government has clarified the legal framework governing the rights and obligations of dependents under the Zanzibar Health Services Fund (ZHSF), saying that only legally recognised dependents are eligible for full benefits.

Acting Minister for Health, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, said adjustments concerning contributions for parents of public servants are being implemented in line with legal provisions, fairness and the long-term sustainability of the fund.

She made the remarks in the House of Representatives yesterday, while responding to a question from Mwera Representative Mihayo Juma Suleiman, who sought clarification on reports that parents registered as dependents of SMZ employees would be required to pay additional costs through special medical packages.

Dr Mkuya explained that the measures are part of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, which takes into account the financial capacity of dependents to ensure equity and sustainability of health insurance schemes.

Under the Zanzibar Health Services Fund Act No. 1, particularly Section 3(c), a dependent is defined as a spouse or parent of a contributing member who is not employed in the formal or informal sector and lacks the financial ability to contribute to the fund.

She said that dependents who have employment or a reliable source of income will no longer qualify for full coverage without making additional contributions.

The introduction of packages A, B and C, she said, is intended to categorise services based on financial capacity without denying anyone access to basic healthcare.

Under the new arrangement, parents placed in packages A or B will receive treatment at various hospitals upon contributing a minimum of 200,000/- in addition to the employee’s salary deductions.

Those in package C will continue receiving treatment exclusively at government hospitals without additional contributions, ensuring that dependents without financial means remain protected.

The government stressed that the reforms are not intended to deny services but to ensure shared responsibility among the government, employees and financially capable dependents while safeguarding the fund’s long-term sustainability.