NHIF ordered to cut costs, improve services
ARUSHA: DEPUTY Minister for Health Dr Godwin Mollel has directed the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to cut expenditures, enhance educational initiatives, improve efficiency and tackle fraud to ensure better services for members and the public.
Dr Mollel made the remarks during a recent meeting with senior officials from NHIF in Arusha, where they discussed various strategies to improve medical services, ahead of the forthcoming implementation of the Universal Health Insurance Law.
The deputy minister congratulated Director General Dr Irene Isaka, for her recent appointment to lead NHIF by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Dr Mollel assured the new NHIF boss of full support from the Ministry of Health in achieving the goal of delivering high-quality services to members and citizens.
Dr Isaka was appointed after Benard Konga’s term as Director General expired.
Her new role comes as NHIF seeks to expand healthcare coverage and navigate ongoing tensions with private healthcare providers.
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Before Dr Isaka’s appointment, Grace Temba, the insurer’s former Director of Finance, served as Acting Director General.
Dr Isaka, an economist with a robust background in finance and social security, is expected to bring significant expertise to her role.
She holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Dar es Salaam, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in the same field.
Her practical experience includes roles at Stanbic Bank Tanzania and various positions in the social security sector.
Previously, Dr Isaka was the Secretary General of the East and Central Africa Social Security Association (ECASSA), where she managed operations across 21 social security institutions.
Her career also includes experience as a lecturer at the Institute of Finance Management (IFM), specialising in social protection and actuarial studies.
