Tanzania’s Universal Health Insurance to kick off this April, government confirms

Dodoma. The wait for the planned Universal Health Insurance (UHI) is nearing its end. Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Godwin Mollel, on Wednesday April 3, 2024 announced that the UHI law will take effect before the end of April 2024, with a specific date to be confirmed soon.

Dr Mollel who was responding to inquiries about the UHI rollout, assured citizens that the government is actively preparing for implementation.

The implementation, he said, will take a phased approach given the fact that the UHI law offers such flexibility.

According to Dr Mollel, section 1 allows the Minister to designate specific sections for initial implementation. The phased approach ensures a smooth transition and establishment of a robust UHI system.

"We've already identified key sections that will lay the groundwork for a strong UHI programme," explained Dr Mollel.

"These sections have been submitted to the Attorney General for review. Once finalised, the official gazettement will trigger the programme's launch before the end of April," he said.

He also highlighted the government's commitment to making UHI inclusive. Funding mechanisms to support vulnerable populations, such as widows and street children, are already being identified.

Special funds, sourced from electronic transaction revenues, excise duty on select products, taxes on gaming, motor vehicle insurance, parliamentary allocations, returns from fund investments, and contributions from stakeholders, including development partners, will support health insurance for this demographic.

The UHI bill was passed by Parliament on November 1, 2023.