Lindi. More than 20,000 vulnerable residents in Lindi Region are set to benefit from the first phase of the Universal Health Insurance essential benefits package, as registration gathers pace across the region.
The exercise, being conducted through the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), has already enabled 364 residents of Mandangwa Village in Mtama Constituency to receive treatment cards and begin accessing services at designated health facilities.
Regional NHIF Manager Janet Kibambo said registration commenced on February 2, 2026 with more than 30 per cent of the targeted beneficiaries already enrolled. In total, 20,086 individuals — equivalent to 4,164 households — are expected to benefit in the first phase.
Registration has been completed in Lindi Urban and Lindi Rural, as well as in Liwale and Kilwa districts. The exercise is scheduled to continue next week in Nachingwea and Ruangwa districts.
The Regional NHIF Manager, Ms Janet Kibambo, said the special groups covered under the programme include pregnant women, children under five, older persons, orphans and people with disabilities.
“This marks the implementation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 100-day commitment to ensure citizens begin benefiting from universal health insurance, starting with special groups on a pilot basis,” she said.
She explained that, under the new Universal Health Insurance law, beneficiaries will have access to more than 370 essential health services, over 40 diagnostic tests and more than 247 types of medicines. Officials have also provided guidance on proper card usage and urged beneficiaries to follow medical advice to protect their health.
Ms Kibambo noted that during the distribution exercise, residents shared experiences of difficulties encountered under the previous Community Health Fund (CHF) scheme, including limited access to certain medicines and diagnostic services despite paying annual contributions.
Lindi District Commissioner Victoria Mwanziva said the first phase is progressing steadily, with more than 3,900 households registered in Lindi Municipality alone.
The District Commissioner, Ms Victoria Mwanziva, said that prior to the rollout many residents relied on traditional remedies or waited for relatives to raise funds for treatment. She added that more than Sh48 billion has been invested in implementing the programme nationwide, enabling vulnerable citizens to access formal healthcare services.
“In Mandangwa Village, the response has been strong, reflecting the challenges people previously faced in obtaining medical care. The high turnout demonstrates renewed confidence. We will continue reaching beneficiaries across the region as the exercise advances,” she said.
One beneficiary, Ms Salima Machemba of Mandangwa Village, welcomed the initiative, stating that it would ease the financial burden on low-income families.
“Accessing treatment was previously difficult, and I relied on income from casual farm work to pay medical bills. The money I would have spent on treatment can now support my family’s welfare,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr Hamis Namkuva, said the health insurance card has brought reassurance to his household. He called for consistent availability of medicines and diagnostic services to ensure the scheme meets its objectives.
Mr Namkuva recalled that when his child sustained a machete injury, the family was unable to afford hospital treatment and resorted to traditional remedies. He said the new cover now provides certainty that his family can obtain timely medical care when required.
