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Health Insurance Comes in Different Form(AllAfrica Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ONE of the country's telecommunications company, Tigo Tanzania, has taken a keen interest in the country's health sector through its invariable delivery of health products and services that have revolutionized the ways in which many are able to access medical services. Its immense support commemorated in recent months has also shown how Tigo as a brand, a company and its people, are dedicated towards supporting initiatives aiming at improving the country's public health sector and positively impacting the lives of millions of Tanzanians. In a ceremony that was attended by a variety of health stakeholders in Arusha Tanzania recently on World Kidney Day, Tigo Tanzania was awarded a certificate of appreciation from the National Kidney Foundation for its immeasurable support in recognizing the importance of early Kidney disease detection. Tigo's support came through its unwavering assistance towards the development of a Kidney Detection SMS application service through which millions of Tanzanians are now able to know the status of their kidneys from the comfort of their own homes, an act that is life-saving. The Prime Minister, Mr Mizengo Pinda, who was also in attendance awarded Tigo's General Manager Diego Gutierrez the certificate of appreciation for Tigo's valuable support in this important venture that is backed by the government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Health. In handing Mr Gutierrez the certificate of Appreciation, the Prime Minister was quoted saying "I would like to thank Tigo, for being the first telecom company in Tanzania to come forward and fully commit to supporting such an application service, which is free of charge, that will enable all Tanzanians to know the status of their kidneys by just sending a simple SMS. Truly this unwavering support shown by Tigo is an example to be followed by all other Telecom companies in the country." Still impacting the Tanzanian health sector, Tigo launched Tigo Bima, a product that allows customers to choose a level of health insurance cover based on their personal preferences enabling them to obtain insurance cover upon their passing or upon being hospitalized. Through its hospitalization insurance cover, customers are able to receive coverage up to 30 nights in hospital via a nightly payout system irrespective of the ailment suffered. The TIGO Bima product is made possible through collaboration between Tigo, who provides the mobile expertise, Bima who are responsible for the sales, distribution and insurance technical platform, MicroEnsure who provides the claims management and the product is underwritten by Golden Crescent Assurance. Tigo's general manager Mr Guiterrez said: "Tigo understands that the health sector in Tanzania faces a lot of challenges. The government is doing so much already to turn things around. We witness these challenges every day and cannot just stand by and not support and get involved. "We care about our valuable customers very much. And if they are facing challenges, we will also face challenges. We therefore are very committed to ensure that we play a key role in developing the health sector. And this is just the beginning as we have many exciting innovative products and services yet to be offered in the market." This product which is available to all pre-paid Tigo subscribers in both its life insurance and hospitalization cover has a network of 14 reputable hospitals in the region. "I used to think health insurance is a product of the rich and powerful. With my income level I have never dreamt of being able to ever afford such a service until when Tigo launched this product. I feel cared for as I can now have a peace of mind. I commend Tigo for hearing the outcry of millions of Tanzanians who are suffering every day because they cannot afford or access health services," said Ms Saida Juma, a Dar-es-Salaam resident and Tigo Bima service user. In line with these innovative products, Tigo Tanzania recently unveiled a digital bus which will serve as an experience zone for Tanzanians to learn about services provided by Tigo including Tigo Kilimo, Tigo Bima, Tigopesa, Maths Application for secondary students, and as well as free Facebook in Kiswahili. "Indeed coming up with this innovative idea will help bridge the digital gap most especially in rural areas and therefore contribute to realizing your vision of a digital lifestyle in the country," said Iringa Regional Commissioner, Dr Christine Ishengoma at the unveiling recently. Tigo's Zonal Director for Southern Highlands Joseph Kiswaga said that he is happy to announce the new Welcome Pack Campaign which will award new customers joining the network for the first time by purchasing a SIM card. He said, "The Welcome Pack Campaign will go on for a period of 3 months, where 70 special caravans including the Tigo Digital Bus will go to visit 70 towns in more than 100 villages in 10 different regions that are; Mbeya, Iringa, Dodoma, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Kagera, Mwanza, Shinyanga, Kigoma and Mtwara. Copyright Tanzania Daily News. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). |