Universal health coverage aims to ensure full community access to medical services. The underlying economic theory being that African countries, including Tanzania can make use of their strongest and ultimately most important asset – our people.
The Universal Health Coverage Bill of 2022 (the Bill) was tabled before Parliament in September 2022. The Bill is currently with the Social Services and Community Development Committee for further consultation.
A key element of the Bill is its impact on the insurance sector. Is the sector deep enough to cater for the predicted and required increase in insurance coverage? Will this lead to an increase in the number of insurance providers? Will it lead to consolidation in the market?
We analyse the Bill and its possible impact as it transitions into law.
Objectives of the Bill
The Bill proposes enactment of a Universal Health Insurance law to establish a management and control system for the provision of health insurance services. This will guarantee all citizens and residents access to health services without financial constraints. The Bill proposes a mandatory requirement for every individual to register with the health insurance system which will include:
(a) employers and employees from public and private sectors;
(b) employees from the informal sector;
(c) health insurance schemes (Insurance Schemes);
(d) financially challenged individuals;
(e) healthcare centres; and
(f) the Authority.
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