RESIDENTS of Simiyu Region have welcomed CCM party’s pledge to cover treatment costs for non-communicable diseases — a move they say will reduce deaths and restore hope in communities.

The positive reactions came during a campaign rally held yesterday at Mkula Primary School grounds in Busega District, where CCM’s Presidentialrunningmate, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, addressed the public.

In his address, Dr Nchimbi outlined the party’s commitment to fully or partially fund treatment for citizens suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), should the party win the upcoming General Election. He stated that the initiative would be a key element of the government’s health strategy over the next five years.

Mzelela Nela, a resident of Mkula Ward, praised the initiative, noting that many people are currently battling chronic illnesses that require costly treatment. He urged the government to ensure that treatment costs are significantly reduced.

“I’m very happy to hear this. Even if they won’t cover all the costs, there should be a system to reduce them — like patients paying only a small fee or receiving medicines free of charge. These diseases are serious and costly to treat,” said Nela.

Another resident, Shole Mbage, echoed the sentiment, saying the plan would be a huge relief for families who struggle to support relatives living with chronic conditions.

“My relative, who has since passed, had diabetes. We had to keep collecting money to help him access medication, as he had no health insurance,” he said.
“Diabetes drugs are expensive. If you’re poor, your life expectancy drops significantly. If CCM comes through with this plan, it will really bring relief to many people. I believe it’s a very good idea.”

Kwandu Maduhu, also from Busega, recalled listening to President Samia Suluhu Hassan speak during the launch of CCM’s national campaign in Dar es Salaam, where she announced the introduction of universal health insurance.

He said such a policy would especially benefit people in rural areas, where the majority lack access to insurance coverage. He was encouraged to hear Dr Nchimbi reaffirm this commitment at the Busega rally.

“Hearing Dr Nchimbi reaffirm this yesterday gave me hope. Funding NCD treatment will save many lives,” he said.

Dr Nchimbi told the crowd that one of the government’s key priorities — within the first 100 days of President Samia’s new term, if re-elected — would be to establish a system to fund treatment for non-communicable diseases that continue to burden Tanzanians.

“There are non-communicable diseases causing serious hardship for our people. The government will start to cover treatment costs,” he said.

He further affirmed the government’s plan to implement universal health insurance, including free healthcare services for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Dr Nchimbi also announced plans to develop industrial zones across the country to spur economic growth, create employment opportunities — especially for youth — and boost domestic production.

For Busega specifically, he pledged the construction of new infrastructure to improve public services and education.

“We will build four health centres, four dispensaries, five secondary schools, two primary schools, and construct 76 new classrooms,” he said.

Reflecting on the party’s achievements over the last five years, Dr Nchimbi highlighted several key developments in Busega District.

The projectd include four health centres,The Busega district Hospital, Seven dispensaries, nine secondary schools and 299 classrooms

He also pointed to progress in water infrastructure, with the implementation of 15 water. projects worth 12bn/-, and the ongoing Lamadi–Mkula water project, which has increased access to clean water for 72percent of residents.

In the agricultural sector, he noted significant growth:Cotton production rose from 3,900 kg to 14,000 kg, Sunflower production increased from 1.2 tonnes to 5.5 tonnes,Five livestock dipping tanks were constructed to support animal health.