IRINGA: THE government in Iringa Region is looking forward to enrol 13,086 households, comprising 31,170 people, in the second phase of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme to ease the burden of medical expenses and expand access to healthcare.
The initiative is expected to benefit families engaged in farming, small businesses and other informal-sector activities, whose incomes can be disrupted when unexpected illnesses force them to meet treatment costs.
Iringa Regional Commissioner, Mr Kheri James, said the government would continue working with various stakeholders to educate the public on the importance of health insurance, urging council leaders to closely supervise enrolment to ensure eligible households benefit from the scheme.
Speaking during the launch of the second phase at Mwembetogwa grounds in Iringa Municipality, Mr James said leaders’ responsibilities extended beyond attending the launch to ensuring residents were registered and understood the benefits of the insurance scheme.
ALSO READ: Iringa RC urges JKT graduates to use social media wisely
“After this launch, the work is not over. Ensure that residents are registered in the Universal Health Insurance scheme so that it can reduce their burden of medical expenses,” he said, warning that he would not tolerate negligence among leaders responsible for implementing the programme.
Iringa National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Regional Manager, Ms Agnes Chaki, said the region aimed to enrol 13,086 households, with a total of 31,170 beneficiaries expected to be covered.
Iringa Acting Regional Medical Officer, Dr Credianus Mgimba, said the region was prepared to oversee implementation of the scheme, which seeks to widen access to healthcare, particularly for people working in the informal sector who have traditionally relied on out-ofpocket payments for treatment.
The initiative is part of national efforts to expand health coverage under the Universal Health Insurance Act, 2023, which provides a legal framework for widening participation in the health insurance system.
The National Development Vision 2050 also identifies health and public wellbeing as important elements in building a stronger economy and promoting inclusive development.