The Government of Tanzania has launched a new health insurance fund aimed at helping underprivileged citizens access essential medical services. The initiative is part of the country’s wider plan to achieve Universal Health Insurance and ensure that no Tanzanian is denied healthcare because of lack of money.
The announcement was made on Friday, January 23, 2026, in Dodoma during a national working session on the implementation of Universal Health Insurance. The meeting was addressed by the Minister for Health, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, who outlined how the new fund will operate and who will benefit from it.
According to the minister, the fund will specifically target vulnerable groups, including the poor, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other citizens who cannot afford to pay health insurance contributions on their own. The government will cover the insurance costs for these groups so they can receive treatment at public health facilities across the country.
Mr Mchengerwa said the move reflects the government’s commitment to improving access to healthcare and reducing the financial burden of medical expenses on low-income households. He noted that many families fall deeper into poverty due to high medical bills, a challenge the new fund is meant to address.
Under the new arrangement, beneficiaries will be able to access basic health services such as consultations, maternity care, treatment for common illnesses, and essential medicines. The government also plans to gradually expand the range of services covered as funding and systems improve.
The health insurance fund is part of broader health sector reforms that aim to strengthen hospitals, improve service delivery, and increase health insurance coverage nationwide. Authorities believe that wider insurance coverage will also help improve the quality and sustainability of health services.
As Tanzania moves closer to full implementation of Universal Health Insurance, the government has urged citizens, institutions, and local leaders to support the programme and help identify those most in need.
The launch of this fund marks an important step toward a more inclusive health system, offering hope that quality healthcare can become a reality for all Tanzanians, regardless of their income level.
