DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian authorities on Friday announced that the first phase of the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) for government-funded beneficiaries will take effect on Jan. 26.

The announcement was made by Minister for Health Mohamed Mchengerwa during a high-level meeting in Dar es Salaam convened to review the implementation of the UHI scheme.

Mchengerwa said under the first phase, a total of 1,457,602 citizens from 276,004 low-income households will be registered and fully covered by the government, noting that the initial rollout targets vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.

He emphasized that health should be viewed not as a cost but as a strategic investment in human dignity, economic productivity, national security, and the country's global standing.

According to Mchengerwa, the package is valued at 150,000 Tanzanian shillings (about 59 U.S. dollars) per household of up to six members and will be accessed through a referral system at contracted health facilities.

Mchengerwa directed regional and local government leaders to intensify the identification of eligible low-income households, warning that regional commissioners, district commissioners, and council directors will be assessed based on their practical performance in implementing the UHI campaign. ■