MP’s Bold Plan: Deductions from Phone Lines to Revolutionize Healthcare Funding in Tanzania

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a groundbreaking move, Gairo Member of Parliament, Ahmed Shabiby of the ruling party CCM, has suggested a revolutionary funding strategy for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) during his contribution to the budget proposals for the Office of the Prime Minister.

Shabiby has proposed the deduction of Sh2,000 per month from phone lines, alongside a Sh10,000 deduction from MPs, traders, and employees. This ambitious plan aims to generate approximately 2 trillion shillings annually, a significant boost for funding UHC.

Highlighting the importance of preventing financial burdens on citizens, Shabiby argues that these deductions could provide a reliable revenue stream, ensuring comprehensive medical care for both rural and urban citizens, especially those with limited incomes.

The MP further advocated for the privatization of government-owned service delivery points such as hospitals, dispensaries, and health centers, drawing inspiration from successful models in Abu Dhabi and South Korea. He proposed the privatization of doctors and nurses, envisioning a more efficient and centralized healthcare system akin to those in leading nations.

Shabiby emphasized the need to combat fraudulent practices in healthcare facilities, suggesting that privatizing only government hospitals while maintaining control over referral hospitals would ensure accountability and quality of service. Additionally, he addressed concerns about doctors undermining government facilities, suggesting that a unified healthcare system would mitigate such issues.

While the government's current plan includes taxes on various commodities and electronic transactions to fund UHC, Shabiby's proposal offers an alternative approach that could revolutionize healthcare financing in Tanzania.

This bold initiative has sparked widespread discussion and debate, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting further developments as Tanzania endeavors to achieve universal access to healthcare for all its citizens.

Shabiby's proposal addresses concerns raised by the Controller and Auditor General, Charles Kichere, regarding the financial sustainability of Tanzania's National Health Insurance Fund. Kichere highlighted challenges including the burden of servicing retirees and their dependents, government debt, and the escalating costs of non-communicable diseases.

While Tanzania endeavors to achieve comprehensive healthcare coverage, other African nations have successfully implemented mandatory health insurance schemes for their citizens, serving as inspiration for Tanzania's UHC initiative.

Amidst ongoing disputes between private healthcare providers and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in Tanzania, concerns mount over the accessibility of quality healthcare for citizens. Rwanda and Ghana offer shining examples of effective healthcare models that have significantly improved access and affordability for their populations.

Rwanda's community-based health insurance program, known as "Mutuelles de Santé," has been a beacon of success, providing affordable healthcare through a blend of community contributions and government subsidies. This approach has expanded coverage and reduced out-of-pocket expenses, serving as a blueprint for sustainable universal health coverage.

Similarly, Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has made remarkable strides since its inception in 2003. By focusing on equity and affordability, the NHIS ensures that even the most vulnerable segments of society can access essential healthcare services without financial hardship. The scheme's success lies in its commitment to expanding coverage and reducing financial barriers to healthcare access.

In light of these achievements, Tanzania faces the challenge of reconciling differences between NHIF and private healthcare providers to safeguard access to quality healthcare for its citizens. As efforts continue to find a resolution, stakeholders emphasize the importance of learning from Rwanda and Ghana's experiences to forge sustainable solutions that prioritize patient care and uphold the principles of universal health coverage.

The Tanzanian government's fiscal plans for the current year highlight a broader commitment to addressing the nation's health needs, with significant allocations earmarked for healthcare. However, the ongoing standoff highlights the complexities of healthcare financing and the imperative of striking a balance between affordability and sustainability in the pursuit of universal health coverage.

Gairo MP Ahmed Shabiby's innovative proposal to fund Universal Health Coverage through deductions from phone lines and contributions from MPs, traders, and employees adds a new dimension to this discourse.

By advocating for a diversified funding model and the privatization of certain healthcare services, Shabiby's proposal challenges traditional approaches to healthcare financing. It emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative revenue streams while ensuring accountability and quality of service.

As the nation navigates the intricacies of healthcare financing, Shabiby's proposal catalyzes dialogue and innovation in the pursuit of equitable access to healthcare for all citizens. It underscores the need for policymakers to embrace bold and imaginative solutions to achieve sustainable and inclusive healthcare systems.