Winners, losers as new NHIF rates set to take effect

Dar es Salaam. The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will roll out new packages for health service providers next year.

The packages, which indicate services, prices of medicines and fees covered by the fund, were reviewed this year to take into consideration changes that have happened since 2016 when the last review was conducted.

The 2023 review will see an increase in prices and costs of some services and a decrease in others to align with the market situation.

“We have come up with these reviewed rates after having meetings with service providers and various stakeholders. We did comprehensive research and satisfied ourselves that costs of some services were not in line with the market as they are either on the higher or lower side, so we have made some adjustments,” said NHIF director general Bernard Konga said in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Mr Konga was briefing media editors on the new packages, which also seek to improve access to quality services for NHIF members.

He said the review of packages was also in line with efforts to sustain the fund.

Change of rates

Some of the reduced costs those for dialysis for which NHIF will be paying Sh200,000 per session compared to Sh240,000 currently.

The cost of Erythropoietin 2,000 IU (the treatment of anaemia due to kidney problems) will has been lowered from Sh33,000 to Sh14,900, while that of Erythropoietin 4,000 IU has been decreased from Sh66,000 to 15,500.

Similarly, the consultation fee for specialists doctor at national referral and zonal referral hospitals has been reduced from Sh35,000 to Sh25,000, while that for general physicians (GPs) will drop from Sh10,000 to Sh5,000.

Mr Konga said the measure will also help to reduce congestion at Muhimbili National Hospital and ensure that government investment in the health sector is beneficial.

He noted that the government has invested a lot in the health sector by installing CT scan machines at all regional hospitals, adding that  the equipment must benefit Tanzanians.

On the other hand, the consultation fee for specialist doctors in regional referral hospitals will increase from Sh15,000 to Sh25,000, the same as those in zonal and national referral hospitals.

The consultation fee in dispensaries will also increase from Sh1,000 to Sh2,000.

“There is no need to do a CT-Scan test at the national hospital when you can get the same service in regional hospitals. Through these adjustments, it will help to increase the motivation of doctors,” he added.

New medicine list

NHIF also said will add 124 drugs to the list of National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT) and cover them and add alternative medicines to 309 drugs.

Mr Konga said the fund will increase prices of 374 drugs by between 10 and 20 percent to reflect the market prices.

He said the fund had increased the prices of surgery services. For instance, the cost of the Caesarian Section (C/S) will increase from Sh110,000 to Sh130,000.

In another development, NHIF will develop a platform which will allow hospitals to share information about their patients in attempt to avoid repeated laboratory tests.