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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Grace Chee, Abt Associates, Partners for Health Reform-Plus, 4800 Montgomery Lane, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-913-0545, grace_chee@abtassoc.com and Kimberly Smith, MS, International Health, Abt Associates Inc., 4800 Montgomery Lane, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814.
The Tanzanian Community Health Fund (CHF) was established by the Ministry of Health on a pilot basis in December 1995. Members join the CHF by paying an annual fee, and in return they receive free health services. It is currently operating in 23 districts, with the goal of implementation in all districts by 2003. In 2001, the CHF Act established the CHF as a key component of the health financing strategy. The purpose of the CHF is to ensure the availability of quality health services at affordable prices and to mobilize additional resources for the provision of health care. In conjunction with the introduction of the CHF, user fees and an exemption policy are also implemented.
This assessment was conducted in Hanang District to provide CHF administrators with data and recommendations to improve the management and utilization of the CHF throughout Tanzania. Information was gathered through semi-structured interviews with individuals responsible for CHF management at all levels, and providers and managers at participating and non-participating health facilities. Facility and district level records were reviewed to assess membership, utilization, and financial status. Focus groups discussions were conducted with CHF members and non-members. Exit interviews were conducted at CHF facilities.
Some key findings from this assessment are: 1)membership levels are lower than anticipated; 2)financial management and information systems need improvement; 3) the CHF has had positive impact on funding in Hanang District, but the majority of the contribution comes from user fees; and, 4) the exemption policy is not being implemented.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to
Keywords: Financing, Insurance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.