THE current health insurance packages set out by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) are not universal, so the government is working to introduce universal health insurance next year.

Jenista Mhagama, the Health minister, made this declaration when closing debate on the ministry‘s 2025/26 estimates in the National Assembly yesterday, underlining the need to support all citizens, with the goal of reducing deaths and ensuring their safety.

The roll out is intended to protect all citizens and reduce mortality rates, as the new insurance packages will ensure every Tanzanian benefits from recent investments in the health sector, she said.

She also pledged to improve emergency maternity services to further safeguard the lives of mothers and children countrywide, she said, similarly affirming that the ministry is working with the Treasury to stabilise operations of the Medical Stores Department (MSD).

She said that MSD requested 561bn/- and received 100bn/- first, and have now been allocated 150bn/-, with an additional 50bn/- while excluding their internal investments,” she stated.

The government has set aside over 42bn/- for building warehouses to improve storage of health equipment and drugs, she said, affirming that the government allocated 48.2bn/- for essential medical supplies and ensuring MSD financial stability.

The government is also expecting a 119bn/- financial grant from China to further boost MSD’s capacity, she said, highlighting a repayment plan for 52bn/- owed to local governments.

The payments have been arranged and contracts signed for quick settlement, she said, pointing at an agreement with the Treasury to issue guarantees to alleviate NHIF financial situation.

All necessary procedures have been finalized, she said, leaving the details to the Finance minister in the wider budget plans.

She assured MPs that control of infectious diseases such as hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections is integrated into the national health strategy.

“We are addressing these diseases collectively, which has improved outcomes. I will ensure vaccine distributors deliver hepatitis vaccines efficiently nationwide,” she stressed, asserting that vaccination coverage will expand further once resources permit, following national immunization protocols.

Boniphace Getere (Bunda) was worried about current insurance packages, citing the burden of kidney, heart and chronic diseases in various areas and urging increased public education.

Noah Lembris (Arumeru West) advised against comparing the wealthy who can afford insurance with poor Tanzanians, while other MPs insisted on the importance of educating the public on health insurance to prevent unnecessary deaths.

Moshi Kakoso (Mpanda Rural), highlighted concerns over harmful food and alcohol consumption, particularly among youth and motorcycle taxi riders, urging government intervention to avoid escalating healthcare costs.