Health Minister stops private hospitals from suspending services to NHIF members

Dar es Salaam. Health Minister, Ummy Mwalimu, has directed all hospitals across the country to continue providing services under the new health benefit package as announced by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) two days ago.

The ministers’ directive comes a day after seven private hospitals announced the suspension of services to holders of NHIF cards.

In its earlier announcement, NHIF informed its clients that healthcare provision would be executed under the new benefit package of 2023.

Through various social media platforms, statements from private healthcare providers surfaced since Thursday, February 29, 2024, indicating their intention to cease service provision to NHIF members.

They cited discrepancies between the discussions they had with the committee formed by the minister for Health and the subsequent outcomes.

But, addressing a press conference in Lindi Region today, Ms Mwalimu expressed her concern regarding announcements made by some private hospitals, saying doing so is violating laws and denying patients their right to receive treatment.

According to Section 152 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act, if a hospital has admitted a patient, it should not, under any circumstances, remove a patient from the hospital unless they have agreed themselves voluntarily.

“I am banning the removal of patients from the ward because doing so violates the law that requires health experts not to stop providing services to patients they have already admitted and emergency patients.

“You have already received the patient; you have the responsibility to treat them. Patients are not concerned about the new NHIF package; they have already contributed their 3%; they should be given treatment. Concerning other issues, we will discuss,” she emphasized.

She further mentioned that the ministry has maintained communication with all healthcare stakeholders since 2022.

The decision made by NHIF aligns with the recommendations put forth by the expert committee led by Dr Baghayo Saqware, the Commissioner of Insurance at the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA).

“I commend the expert committee chaired by Dr Saqware for their inclusive recommendations, which consider both government and private healthcare providers. These suggestions were communicated clearly to all stakeholders. It's disheartening to see some private hospitals opting out of service provision," lamented Ms Mwalimu.

She emphasized that the ministry was open to further discussions with any interested parties and urged them to continue provision of treatment while engaging in discussions to establish mutually beneficial models for both the government and private healthcare providers.

In a bid to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for all patients amidst the strike by some private healthcare providers, Minister Mwalimu commended the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) for initiating evening clinics for patients rejected by private hospitals.

"Following this meeting, Prof Mohamed Janabi will announce the commencement of new clinics slated to operate from 4pm to 10pm, aimed at accommodating more patients turned away by private hospitals,” she said.

“We are fully prepared and equipped. I assure all Tanzanians that they will receive treatment at government hospitals as we resolve issues with certain private hospitals," she added.

MNH CEO Prof Mohammed Janabi told The Citizen that the clinics would start providing the services today depending on demand, “We have enough staff to meet the new demand.”

MNC Instagram page quotes Prof Janabi as saying the hospital had devised an emergency plan to address the disruption of services caused by decisions of some private hospitals.

MNH has extended consultation hours at all Upanga and Mloganzila clinics with Upanga expected to utilize 75 rooms, while Mloganzila will make available 59 rooms for patient examinations from 3am to 4pm or until the last patient has been attended.

"We are mindful of patients scheduled for elective surgeries. With 18 operating rooms at Upanga and 13 at Mloganzila, we have ensured adequate capacity,” he is quoted as saying.

“Additionally, for patients requiring dialysis, Upanga has 47 machines. We have increased dialysis sessions from three to four cycles, with preventive maintenance conducted during remaining time slots," added Prof Janabi.

He affirmed that MNH, being a major healthcare provider, will closely monitor these initiatives and promptly report any challenge to relevant authorities.

The Association of Private Health Sector Facilities in Tanzania (APHFTA), the Christian Social Service Commission (CSSC), and the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA) issued a joint statement this Wednesday announcing their decision to halt services for NHIF members.

Subsequently, all Aga Khan Hospitals nationwide, Regency Medical Centre, Kairuki Hospital, TMJ Hospitals, and Apollo Hospital announced the suspension of services for NHIF members effectively from today (Friday, March 1, 2024) until further notice.

A confidential source within APHFTA said the new charges represent a reduction of 20 to 30 percent as compared to the previous rates.

This poses operational challenges, particularly given the rise in the dollar exchange rate and increased costs of drugs and investments.

The source revealed that the profit margin was typically around 10 percent, but with the new prices, they anticipate a loss of approximately 20 percent.

Considering deductions ranging between 5 and 10 percent, the overall projected loss could reach up to 30 percent.

LHRC weighs in

Amidst the ongoing confusion, the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has called on the government and healthcare providers to address six key areas in order to resolve the crisis and ensure the right to health is upheld.

The LHRC emphasised the importance of negotiations and the search for resolution while stressing the imperative need for healthcare providers to continue serving Tanzanians to prevent the loss of innocent lives.

In a statement released to the media on March 1, 2024, the LHRC highlighted that there was a need for transparency in establishing standards and that healthcare service providers are encouraged to follow legal procedure for their complaints to be addressed.

"Since the major victims are women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, we advise that these groups should continue to be prioritised during the ongoing negotiations," recommends LHRC in a statement.

The LHRC's call comes amidst growing concerns over the impact of the crisis on vulnerable populations, emphasising the need for swift and effective action to address the situation.