Stakeholders push for family planning coverage under health insurance
Dar es Salaam. Health sector stakeholders have renewed calls for family planning services to be included in health insurance coverage, warning that failure to address maternal and child health could increase illness and financial burdens on families.
Speaking during a live Mwananchi X Space discussion held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, experts, government officials, and health advocates said the inclusion of family planning in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) benefits package would not only promote better health outcomes but also reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Tumainiel Macha, Director of Policy, Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the government has received the proposal and is working to incorporate it into ongoing amendments to the NHIF Act.
He said the reforms align with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“The President has already endorsed a package for universal health care that includes services like family planning, malaria, and HIV/AIDS treatment,” Macha said. “What we are doing now is making minor adjustments to the NHIF Act to operationalise that vision.”
Macha noted that health insurance is the backbone of equitable healthcare, and the upcoming legal changes will ensure that all Tanzanians—regardless of income or location—have access to essential health services.
Family planning as a preventative measure
Health experts who joined the discussion emphasized that family planning is not a luxury but a crucial public health intervention that can significantly reduce maternal and child mortality.
Cuthbert Maendaenda, Director of TMEPiD, reminded the audience that insurance is a collective safety net, not a personal savings scheme.
“When you contribute to insurance, you're not just protecting yourself—you’re safeguarding your community,” he said. “A neighbour or family member could receive care that exceeds what they’ve paid.”
Abigael Sitishio, a public health advocate, said including family planning would also improve access to private clinics for insured patients.
“My proposal is simple: treat family planning as a basic right for women. It empowers them to make decisions, reduces health risks, and strengthens families,” she said.
Economic and policy rationale
James Mlali, a policy and budget analyst, argued that family planning services would reduce long-term costs for NHIF by minimizing frequent, high-risk pregnancies.
“A woman who spaces her pregnancies every three years places less strain on the health system than one who gives birth every two years. It’s cost-effective and improves outcomes,” he noted.
Ayoub Mremi, an official from the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA), revealed that at least seven insurance companies already offer family planning products. He advised NHIF to conduct a feasibility study to assess public demand and affordability.
“NHIF must tailor its products to meet the health needs of Tanzanians. If the demand is high and the data supports it, inclusion becomes a logical next step,” he said.
Broadening access and reducing financial burden
Matamus Fungo, NHIF’s Legal Services Manager, explained that the current amendments to the NHIF Act aim to expand coverage beyond public servants to include contributors’ dependents and other members of society.
“The new law will bring more Tanzanians into the system, ensuring a broader safety net,” he said.
Insurance expert Anselm Anslem echoed the importance of aligning NHIF reforms with the Universal Health Insurance Act, which President Samia signed into law in December 2023.
“NHIF has primarily served the formal sector. To achieve national coverage, we need a structure that balances contributions and benefits fairly,” he said.
Health insurance consultant Yusuph Mohamed added that insurance should focus on prevention, not just treatment.
“Health insurance is not about refunds. It’s about preventing illness through regular check-ups and early intervention,” he said.
Parliamentary support
Momba MP Condester Sichalwe called on the government to reinstate previously dropped services to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, especially for women.
“Family planning must be part of the core services. It’s essential to the health and economic well-being of families,” she said.
Senior health reporter Herieth Makwetta noted that the revised NHIF law is a key step in operationalising the Universal Health Insurance Scheme, which aims to ensure all citizens can access healthcare without facing financial hardship.
As the government continues to refine the NHIF Act, the strong stakeholder consensus underscores the importance of prioritising preventive services like family planning in achieving a healthier, more financially secure Tanzania.
