THE Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), by launching a health benefit programme whereby PSPF members will voluntarily contribute to get medical treatment.
“A good number of members who are in formal and informal sectors like ‘boda boda’ operators, food vendors, farmers, artists, sports men and women and various entrepreneurs shall be included in this programme,” said PSPF Director General, Mr Adam Mayingu.
Speaking at the launching ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Mr Mayingu noted that research conducted by PSPF found out that among problems facing such groups is access to health care.
“After holding talks with our colleagues from NHIF, we agreed that PSPF members shall pay 76,800/-, which will enable them get health care for a period of one year under PSPF sponsorship. He insisted that PSPF member enrolled in the programme shall get all health insurance benefits,just like any other NHIF member.
“This is an initiative of its kind in social security funds in the country because a beneficiary shall be given medical card that covers medical bills in all registered centres countrywide,”he insisted.
The NHIF Acting Director General, Michael Mhando said the agreement between the two entities is another step to enable NHIF to collaborate with other institutions in social protection and health provision.
“NHIF believes that entrepreneurs shall have an opportunity to get medical care and be assured of their health and safety when they are engaged in the various entrepreneurship activities,” Mr Mhando noted.
“We want to encourage other retired persons to form groups and join NHIF in order to be sure to getting treatment at any time even if they don’t have money in their pockets,” he added.
PSPF is a social security scheme established by Public Service Retirement Benefits Act No. 2 of 1999. The main purpose is to provide for collection of contributions and payment of terminal benefits to members.
Daily News
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