The Regional Commissioner for Dar es Salaam, Hon. Albert Chalamila, has launched the second phase of the universal health insurance scheme. He urged residents of the region to take advantage of this affordable insurance—priced at 150,000 shillings for a family of six—to access quality healthcare services without the need for out-of-pocket, point-of-service payments.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on October 22 during the launch of the second phase of the universal health insurance scheme, Regional Commissioner Hon. Albert Chalamila encouraged citizens to sign up in large numbers. He emphasized that the scheme is designed for everyone—regardless of whether they have a low income, a high income, or no income at all—enabling them to receive quality medical care without immediate, direct payments.
Regional Commissioner (RC) Chalamila has urged pregnant women to take advantage of this insurance scheme to address various health challenges during pregnancy. Although the Government already provides free services to pregnant women, this insurance will enable expectant mothers to access care at various levels of the healthcare system, including regional referral hospitals and other facilities.
RC Chalamila also instructed the District Commissioners within the region to conduct a door-to-door campaign to encourage citizens to enroll in the insurance scheme. He explained that the Sixth Phase Government, under President Dr. Samia Suluhu, has sought to reduce medical costs for the public; through this insurance, a family of six can access healthcare services for an annual fee of 150,000 Tanzanian shillings.
The District Commissioner for Ilala, Hon. Edward Mpogolo—speaking on behalf of the District Commissioners from all five districts in the Dar es Salaam region—noted that one of the common complaints from the public concerns difficulties in accessing healthcare services; therefore, this insurance scheme is set to resolve that challenge.
Meanwhile, the Manager of the Universal Health Insurance Fund for the Kinondoni Region, Mr. … Speaking on behalf of the fund’s managers for the Dar es Salaam region, Fidelis Steven Shauritanga outlined the services available under this insurance scheme, ranging from the dispensary level up to Muhimbili National Hospital. Meanwhile, Kurenje Mbura, the Eastern Zone Manager for the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA), stated that the Authority will continue to effectively oversee the standards, quality, and regulations governing insurance services.
During the launch, the Office of the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner provided health insurance coverage for ten households in need—facilitated through the office of the Dar es Salaam Regional Sheikh—as well as coverage for ten households for a Catholic priest (representing the Christian Council of Tanzania, CCT) who led the prayers at the event, and for ten households through the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in the Dar es Salaam region.
