Assessment of legal and practical challenges in the realisation of the right to health in Tanzania.
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Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study examines the realisation of the right to health in Tanzania. The study reveals that the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania does not provide for the right to health making it difficult to enforce it under the Basic Rights and Duties Enforcement Act. However, the state has established defined structure of the health system, i.e. the public health sector; private health sector; and traditional and alternative practice health sector. The introduction of health reforms such as introduction of primary health care, decentralisation by devolution of health services, adoption of public private partnership (PPP) and the introduction of health insurance has to a large extent improved the accessibility of the right to health. The study nonetheless submits existence of challenges in the realisation of the right to health under the current health system ranging from lack of constitutional provisions on the right to health, poverty, budgetary constraints and a shortage of health professionals. Besides, lack of accountability and transparency, shortage of essential medicines and medical facilities and inequality affects the realisation of the right to health in Tanzania. The study, therefore recommends to enact the right to health, to the constitution; fighting poverty; increasing the national budget to the health sector; employing and training health professionals; enhancing decentralisation of health care service provision; adoption of a scheme towards universal health coverage; creating awareness on the importance of health insurance; and enhancing accountability and transparency in the government.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF RA394.9.T34T442)
Keywords
Medical policy, Health services accessibility, Medical laws and legislation, Public health, Health insurance policies, Tanzania
Citation
Temba, F. M. (2018). Assessment of legal and practical challenges in the realisation of the right to health in Tanzania. Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam.