In an effort to address challenges facing drivers in the country the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) intends to include them in its health scheme.
To this end, more than 40 drivers in Kilimanjaro Region were introduced to the health scheme during a special meeting organised over the weekend by the NHIF in Moshi.
Those who are yet to join the drivers’ association were advised to do so in order to enjoy the health benefits as a group rather than joining the scheme individually.
The NHIF national coordinator, Salvatory Okumu, said the move would reduce some challenges facing drivers. This is because it covers the entire family and so they will no longer be worried about treatment of their children or spouses, he said, noting:
“Sometimes accidents occur when a driver is under stress, especially having family problems. But joining the NHIF will help them solve some problems, especially health issues, because they will be insured.
Okumu also reminded motorcycle riders, who are the most vulnerable to accidents, to ensure that they get health insurance covers promptly.
He said this is because many of them drive motorcycles belonging to other people. “However, when accidents occur, the owners simply take the motorcycles and leave the riders on their own,” he said.
Okumu also told the drivers that members of the NHIF scheme can receive treatment and other health services from over 6,000 hospitals, dispensaries and health centres in the country.
The Assistant Secretary of the Tanzania Drivers Workers Union (TDWU), Rashid Saleh, said it was high time that all drivers, including those of motorcycles, taxis, trucks and buses, joined the union.
Meanwhile, the NHIF Manager for Kilimanjaro Region, Fidelis Shauritanga, has deployed health personnel to oversee services provided to patients covered under the health insurance scheme following recent complaints on the services.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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