VIBINDO Society Champions Universal Health Coverage Board

DODOMA: In a bold push for enhanced healthcare access across Tanzania, the VIBINDO Society, a prominent national association representing informal sector workers from various sectors, is calling for the creation of an All-Inclusive Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Board. This groundbreaking initiative aims to streamline healthcare delivery, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of all Tanzanians.

At a recent technical meeting in Dodoma, where policy recommendations were being developed to ensure that informal sector workers are included in Tanzania’s evolving Universal Health Coverage policy, VIBINDO Society Chairperson Gaston Kikuwi stressed the critical role the proposed UHC Board will play in advising the Minister of Health on key healthcare issues.

The workshop, coordinated by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), brought together small business owners from across the nation, underscoring the vital connection between health and the economic stability of the informal sector. FES, a key partner in empowering both formal and informal sector workers, has been instrumental in advocating for policies that promote decent work and integrating UHC into every aspect of Tanzanian society is one of the key policy areas.

“The proposed UHC Board is not just a vision but a necessary step in making Universal Health Coverage a reality for every Tanzanian,” said Mr. Kikuwi. “This board will be made up of experts from both government and private sectors, including private hospital owners, public health representatives, and ordinary citizens.”

Kikuwi emphasized the importance of inclusion and transparency in the board’s operations, asserting that these values are essential for effectively serving the healthcare needs of the entire population. He believes that by incorporating a diverse range of perspectives, the board will be better equipped to address the challenges within Tanzania’s healthcare system.

“It’s crucial that the voices of small business owners, workers, and the general public are heard when shaping our healthcare policies,” Kikuwi remarked. “We need an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to decisions that affect their health and well-being.”

The call for the establishment of a UHC Board comes at a time when many Tanzanians face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare, with financial constraints being a major challenge. Through fostering collaboration between the public and private healthcare sectors, VIBINDO Society envisions a more balanced and accessible health system for all.

“For us, insurance is vital,” said Keneth Chimoti, Deputy Chairperson of Bodaboda and Bajaj drivers and owners in mainland Tanzania. “Our work is risky—we face accidents or illness regularly—and we need a proper system to implement UHC.”

Janeth Siwingwa, Chairperson of the Mawenzi market in Morogoro Region, also voiced her optimism about the board’s potential impact. She, along with many other small business owners at the workshop, believes that better healthcare will not only safeguard the health of their employees but will also boost productivity and contribute to national economic growth.

In conclusion, the VIBINDO Society’s advocacy for an inclusive UHC Board is a timely and essential step toward ensuring healthcare for all Tanzanians, with the potential to transform both individual lives and the broader economic landscape of the country.