Is it Cash or Card? National Health Insurance Scheme of Tanzania: A Decade and Half of Progress

Abstract

This paper explores the perspectives of Tanzanians since the introduction of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) a decade and half ago. It examines the key objectives of the program by evaluating the impact of this program in meeting the health needs of Tanzanians. The study addressed specifc challenges posed by the program and experiences users have with the program. Study was undertaken in eastern Tanzania. Several respondents mentioned the easy access to better health provided by the scheme at a lower cost. Though several decried the poor quality of services and the rather limited options for accessing health care, most were of the view that Tanzania is on the right track in expanding health coverage to its citizens. As we better understand the role of social health insurance in Africa, the Tanzanian experience offers a window on how to expand health coverage to millions of Tanzanians.