Scramble for treatment in China’s Ark Peace ship exposes serious healthcare gaps in Tanzania

 Dar es Salaam. "I have had a tumour in my abdomen for eight years now. I lost hope because I didn't have the money to afford treatment," explained one of the hopeful patients who had come to try their luck aboard the Chinese hospital ship, the Ark Peace.

This statement, filled with despair and a glimmer of hope, is a testament to the silent struggle of millions of Tanzanians for health care amidst poverty.

Thousands of Tanzanians, mainly from poor backgrounds and struggling silently with health issues, some having completely lost hope of receiving medical treatment due to lack of funds, are flocking to the Ark Peace, seeking a chance to restore their health.

Looking desperate, the group, which included children, adults, and the elderly of both genders, saw the arrival of the Chinese naval hospital ship as a unique blessing.

However, the overwhelming number of those in need has become a significant obstacle.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s Navy hospital, which docked at the port of Dar es Salaam on July 16 and will stay up to July 23, 2024, is offering a golden opportunity for Tanzanians to receive free medical services.

The Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) are collaborating with their Chinese counterparts in an initiative that commemorates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Tanzania and China.

This collaboration also celebrates the 60th anniversary of the TPDF, with events scheduled for September 1 this year.

The Ark Peace brought with it the promise of free medical treatment for locals, with Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila urging the residents to take advantage of the opportunity to check their health within the days that the vessel would stay in the commercial city.

"I urge all the residents of Dar es Salaam to come out in large numbers according to the schedule so they can receive treatment being offered as a symbol of the great cooperation between Tanzania and China," said Mr Chalamila shortly after the arrival of the floating hospital ship.

However, the demand has far exceeded expectations.

With the ship’s specialists able to attend to at least 600 patients per day, they are now forced to extend their hours of attendance to up to 1,000 patients daily.

Despite these efforts, it remains impossible to accommodate everyone in need.

Many patients have struggled for years without treatment due to poverty and the high costs of healthcare, particularly for critical services.

The thousands who flocked to the port saw the Ark Peace as their only hope, exposing the silent struggle of millions of Tanzanians craving affordable healthcare services.

In the crowd, Maria, a 34-year-old mother of three who had travelled from Morogoro, said; "I have been suffering from chronic back pain for years. Local hospitals couldn't help because I couldn't afford the treatment charges. This is my last hope," she said, her eyes filled with desperation.

Hassan Mohamed, a 55-year-old farmer from Tanga, shared his story.

"I've had a heart condition for a decade now. My children saved money for this trip. If I don't get treatment here, I don't know what will happen," he admitted.

Beatrice, a 61-year-old mother, explained that she had already lost hope because the cost of getting treatment for her eyes, which have been troubling her for 11 years now, had made her stay at home, waiting for whatever might happen.

"But until now, I haven't gotten treated; I'm told there are many people in worse condition than me who are being given priority," she told The Citizen in an interview.

A TPDF officer who asked for anonymity shared the logistical challenges.

"We are overwhelmed. The demand is much higher than we anticipated. We are doing our best, but it's heartbreaking to turn people away.”

Why Universal Health Insurance (UHI)?

This scenario highlights a broader issue.

There is an urgent need for accessible healthcare in Tanzania.

Despite the government’s efforts, including plans to roll out universal healthcare services, delays in implementation are costing lives.

Tanzania’s Universal Health Insurance Act of 2023 aims to address health concerns and access to healthcare services among poor Tanzanians.

The policy brief on the act highlights that increasing financial protection has been at the heart of reforms targeting the health insurance system in Tanzania for the last two decades.

Despite these efforts, population coverage with health insurance remains relatively low, estimated at 15.3 percent of the total population.

This includes eight percent covered by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), six percent by the improved Community Health Fund (iCHF), and 1.3 percent by other private health insurance.

A significant share of total health expenditure is financed by households (25 percent and 27 percent in 2021 and 2022, respectively), while health insurance financing remains low (9 percent and 11 percent in 2021 and 2022, respectively).

This results in low financial protection for the consumption of health services. The policy indicates that the majority of the population (over 75 percent) relies on out-of-pocket (OOP) payments, exposing them to catastrophic health expenditures.

A healthcare expert, Dr Fatma Mussa, said the Ark Peace's visit is a temporary relief.

“Tanzania needs a sustainable healthcare system that ensures no one is left behind. The universal healthcare insurance plan is crucial, but its delayed implementation is alarming," she noted.

Legislation plays a key role in supporting the country’s efforts to progress towards the realisation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by shaping health system design, implementation, and governance.