The Association of Private Hospitals in Tanzania has announced the commencement of a strike refusing to admit new patients starting tonight at six o'clock, as a pressure tactic against the reforms made in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Two days ago, in a statement by the Director-General of NHIF, Mr. Bernad Konga, improvements in the benefit package for members of the fund were announced, with implementation set to begin on March 1st, 2024.
Following the conclusion of a meeting of the Private Health Service Providers Council today, Dr. Egina Makwabe, the chairperson of the Association of Private Hospitals, stated that from tonight at six o'clock, they will not attend to any new patients arriving at private hospitals.
Regarding patients already admitted to private hospitals and health facilities, Dr. Makwabe informed the press that they will continue to receive care for only 48 hours before being transferred to government hospitals for further treatment.
Additionally, the Association has called upon the government to convene a joint meeting to discuss thoroughly the NHIF benefit package changes before their implementation.
In presenting its case, the Association argues that the changes in the benefit package will financially cripple many private hospitals, as they will struggle to sustain operations amidst rising living costs while medical expenses are reduced.
The private service providers also lament the lack of involvement in the NHIF benefit package reforms, urging the government to empower private hospitals instead of subjecting them to stifling systems and guidelines.
During the announcement of the impending reforms starting March 1st, NHIF emphasized that the aim of the reforms is to enhance the quality of services provided to beneficiaries of the fund, with the changes tailored to incorporate various suggestions and feedback from healthcare stakeholders.
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