Attaining Universal Health Coverage Through Concerted Efforts
By Dr. Harold Adamson
CEO, Jubilee Health Insurance
The pursuit of universal healthcare (UHC) remains a critical goal for countries worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, UHC means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them without financial hardship.
The journey to universal health coverage is often fraught with economic and regulatory challenges. Providing healthcare to all citizens requires significant financial resources. Besides the absence of sufficient healthcare funds, most countries have fragmented health systems which affect the delivery of quality care.
The Tanzanian government, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing UHC. Recently, President Samia signed the universal health insurance bill into law, marking a significant milestone in ensuring that every Tanzanian has access to healthcare services regardless of their financial status. As the government and Ministry of Health persist in their efforts, it is crucial for health stakeholders, including insurance companies and healthcare providers to equally contribute their efforts towards realizing this fundamental right for all citizens.
The role of insurance companies and healthcare providers in advancing the cause of accessible and equitable healthcare for all cannot be overstated.
Healthcare providers, comprising doctors, nurses, health specialists, form the frontline of patient care. They serve as advocates for patient welfare, striving to ensure that every individual receives timely and quality care irrespective of their socio-economic status.
By focusing on preventative medicine, early intervention and holistic treatment approaches, hospitals and medical professionals mitigate disease burden while reducing health disparities across populations. Additionally, through initiatives such as community outreach programs and telemedicine services, this integral group extends healthcare access to underserved regions, bridging the gap between patients and essential medical services.
In tandem with healthcare providers, insurance companies serve as a financial safeguard, shielding individuals from costly payments associated with healthcare costs. It is estimated that 27 percent of health expenditures in Tanzania are out-of-pocket payments. Through comprehensive coverage plans, insurance companies empower individuals to seek timely medical attention without the fear of medical costs. Jubilee Health Insurance has developed comprehensive and affordable solutions to cater to various customer segments including individuals, families, SMEs and corporate groups. For instance, we have partnered with Airtel Money and Axieva to offer affordable mobile health insurance cover. With premiums as little as TZS 300 per month, individuals can conveniently sign up for a cover and access medical care without worrying about costs.
Through close collaboration, healthcare providers and insurance companies can undertake outreach programs and community partnerships to promote health education, preventative care and early intervention. Such initiatives will go a long way in lowering disease burden, improving health outcomes and reducing disparities.
Additionally, partnership between these two institutions will play a crucial role in advancing value-based care. By sharing patient data and leveraging analytics, insurers and hospitals can proactively track health outcomes, identify opportunities to improve care quality and reduce healthcare costs.
Lastly, the quest for universal healthcare is an invitation to all players to deploy every strategy to shape a future where access to care is not just a privilege but a fundamental human right. As we navigate the complexities of healthcare reform, let us heed the call and work together towards a world where health has no boundaries, and everyone can live life to the fullest.