GEITA: HEALTHCARE facilities in Geita have been warned against prioritising cash-paying patients at the expense of those covered by Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with the government insisting that all beneficiaries must receive the services they are entitled to.
Geita Regional Commissioner Alexander Mnyeti issued the warning recently during the launch of the second phase of the UHC scheme in Katoro Township, Geita Region.
He said beneficiaries must receive medical services in line with the scheme’s terms and conditions and relevant government regulations, warning that no patient should be denied treatment without justifiable reasons.
“Citizens must not be denied services for unjustifiable reasons. Any complaints that arise should be addressed promptly and professionally,” he said.
Mr Mnyeti directed the Regional Medical Officer’s Office to investigate complaints that some healthcare facilities give priority to patients who pay in cash while neglecting those covered by health insurance.
“I strongly urge healthcare providers not to prioritise patients who pay in cash while neglecting those with health insurance simply because they do not make cash payments,” he said.
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He also instructed district commissioners, council directors and other government officials to educate residents about the scheme, including its benefits, costs and enrolment procedures.
To strengthen oversight, the regional commissioner directed each local government authority to monitor and evaluate the programme’s implementation and submit a report within 14 days.
The reports should outline achievements, challenges and measures needed to improve service delivery under the scheme.
Geita Regional Medical Officer, Dr Omari Sukari, said the region had approximately 5,000 healthcare providers who would help ensure access to medical services for all residents, including insurance beneficiaries.
He said electronic systems linking healthcare facilities with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) had been installed to improve the efficiency of the Universal Health Insurance Scheme.
Geita NHIF Regional Manager, Ms Sophia Kaku, said the region was targeting to register 26,377 households, comprising 93,157 beneficiaries, during the second phase of the scheme.
She added that Geita had achieved 85 per cent of its target group during the first phase of the Universal Health Insurance Programme.
