Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda lead EAC in health insurance expansion

RWANDA: TANZANIA, Kenya and Rwanda have emerged as leading East African Community (EAC) member states in expanding health insurance coverage, increasing access to medical services through formal insurance schemes.

At the same time, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has passed a resolution urging the EAC Council of Ministers to fast-track the implementation of universal health insurance across all member states to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare.

Presenting the motion during the fourth meeting of the fifth Parliament, Rwandan EALA Member Ambassador Fatma Ndangiza commended Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda for setting strong examples in promoting health insurance enrolment among their populations.

She said the resolution calls on the Council of Ministers and member states to accelerate universal health coverage by allocating at least 15 per cent of their national budgets to the health sector, in line with regional and global development goals.

“It is time to find sustainable solutions that reduce dependency on foreign aid and instead prioritise local investment to meet pressing needs, particularly in healthcare. Health must be recognised as a fundamental right for every citizen because health is wealth,” said Ambassador Ndangiza.

EALA Member Dr Gladbess Salema said that achieving universal health coverage requires more than financial access, it also demands quality service delivery and efficient health systems.

Kenyan legislator Kanini Kega echoed similar sentiments, observing that recent restrictions on foreign aid have exposed the region’s vulnerabilities.

He urged EAC nations to strengthen domestic investment and engage the private sector to drive innovation and transformation in healthcare.

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“Uganda is a good example, having invested 6.1 per cent of its national budget in health, with ongoing efforts to increase funding and achieve self-sufficiency,” he said.

The Assembly also commended the EAC Council of Ministers for establishing the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC) in Burundi, which coordinates research and policy development to improve healthcare across the region.

During the same session, Rwanda was applauded as a model of economic resilience for growing its economy by more than 90 per cent through domestic revenue mobilisation rather than foreign assistance.