Tanzania orders 14percent of the UHI funds to treat people with chronic diseases
DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government has said that fourteen per cent of funds allocated through the Universal Health Insurance scheme will be directed towards treatment of people with chronic diseases with the aim of ensuring that patients requiring long-term care receive treatment without financial barriers.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Grace Magembe, made the statement when responding to MPs’ questions on implementation of Universal Health Insurance before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS in Dodoma.
Elaborating, the PS noted that the arrangement is provided for under the Health Insurance Act and intends to ensure people with chronic illnesses, particularly those unable to afford treatment, access the services they need.
“This arrangement is provided for under the Health Insurance Act and aims to ensure that people with chronic diseases receive the services they need, particularly those who cannot afford the cost of treatment,” Dr Magembe said.
Additionally, the Dr stated that the implementation of the arrangement would go hand in hand with other government measures, including allocating 5bn/- annually for highly specialised medical treatment and strengthening referral services to ensure patients receive appropriate care at the required level.
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Moreover, she said that the government is also improving the use of information and communication technology systems to curb misuse of funds and enhance efficiency in the health sector.
“The Universal Health Insurance is intended to expand access to healthcare, improve people’s ability to meet treatment costs and ensure quality health services for all citizens,” she said.
Moreover, the permanent secretary said the government is also prioritising disease prevention and control, particularly non-communicable diseases, to reduce the number of people requiring treatment and safeguard the sustainability of the Universal Health Insurance Fund.
