Tanzania expands Universal Health Insurance scheme

Tanzania has launched the second phase of its Universal Health Insurance scheme, expanding enrollment to include all income groups. While the initial phase focused on the poorest households—supported by a Sh48.8 billion government allocation—the new phase invites individuals from both formal and informal employment to finance their own memberships.

In conjunction with this national rollout, the Tanzania Prisons Service is working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to draft a health insurance framework specifically for prisoners and detainees. This initiative follows directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan to improve medical infrastructure and reduce medical debt within the prison system. Efforts include the planned construction of a regional hospital in Dodoma and the deployment of over 700 medical professionals nationwide.

Civil society organizations have also called on the government to prioritize health insurance coverage for orphans and children with disabilities from low-income families to ensure they receive timely medical care without financial hardship.