Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Nurdin Babu, has called on residents to join the country's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme, citing its benefits in affording medical treatment and reducing financial burdens. He made the statement during the regional launch of the second phase of the UHC scheme in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region. The scheme aims to provide healthcare services to all Tanzanians, regardless of their economic circumstances. Mr Babu emphasized that good health is essential for individual, family, and national development.
According to Mr Babu, health challenges affect both individual plans and the government's broader development agenda. The introduction of the UHC scheme is a significant step towards addressing these challenges. He commended the Sixth-Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for establishing the scheme. The UHC scheme will operate through subsidized, semi-contributory, and contributory models, aiming to eliminate or reduce upfront medical user fees.
The Kilimanjaro Region has a population of 2,061,256 people living in 494,428 households, with an average of four people per household, according to the 2026 population and housing projections. Mr Babu urged residents to enrol in the scheme to ease the burden of medical expenses. The objective of the second phase of registration is to reach every citizen and household in the region.
Mr Babu noted that healthcare is a fundamental need for every citizen, but medical expenses can pose significant challenges to families. The consequences of a family's inability to meet medical expenses extend beyond health, affecting household income, children's education, economic activities, and overall family wellbeing. Universal health insurance is an important step towards improving access to healthcare services while protecting citizens from financial burdens.
The first phase of the scheme was launched in January, targeting low-income households and prioritizing vulnerable groups, including older people, children, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. The second phase provides an opportunity to increase the number of citizens benefiting from healthcare services through insurance coverage. Mr Babu added that the second phase would include public education on enrolment procedures and services covered.
Mr Babu stressed that successful implementation of the scheme requires the participation of citizens, health professionals, stakeholders, and leaders at all levels. He urged residents and local leaders to work together to raise awareness and ensure that more households enrol in the scheme. The success of this initiative relies on collective efforts to educate the community about health insurance and facilitate registration.
The launch of the second phase of registration for Universal Health Insurance cards provides an opportunity to increase the number of citizens who will benefit from healthcare services through health insurance. Mr Babu called upon every citizen to join the scheme to obtain relief from medical costs. The UHC scheme is a significant step towards achieving universal healthcare coverage in Tanzania.
Key points
- The Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner has urged residents to enrol in the Universal Health Coverage scheme to reduce healthcare costs.
- The scheme aims to provide healthcare services to all Tanzanians, regardless of their economic circumstances.
- The second phase of registration aims to reach every citizen and household in the Kilimanjaro Region.
