President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed Dr. Irene Isaka as the new Director General of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), marking a significant leadership change in the country’s key health sector institution. Dr. Isaka takes over from Benard Konga, an economist whose tenure ended last week.
Isaka’s appointment comes at a crucial time for NHIF as it grapples with expanding healthcare coverage while navigating tensions with private health facilities. NHIF was temporarily under the leadership of Grace Temba, the former Director of Finance at NHIF, who had taken over as Acting Director General.
Also read: Konga Leaves NHIF As Director General
The new DG, Dr. Isaka is a seasoned economist with a wealth of experience in finance and social security, Isaka brings a unique skill set to the role. She holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Dar es Salaam, as well as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in the same field. Her academic background is complemented by a strong practical experience in the financial sector, including roles at Stanbic Bank Tanzania and within the social security sector.
Isaka’s most recent position was as Secretary General of the East and Central Africa Social Security Association (ECASSA), where she oversaw the operations of over 21 social security institutions. Prior to that, she was a lecturer at the Institute of Finance Management (IFM), specializing in social protection and actuarial studies.
Her career highlights include serving as the inaugural Director General of the Social Security Regulatory Authority (SSRA), where she played a pivotal role in establishing the regulatory framework for the social security sector. Under her leadership, SSRA undertook significant reforms, including the harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks, actuarial valuations, investments, and benefits.
Isaka’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster NHIF’s capacity to address its challenges. Her deep understanding of the financial sector and her experience in the social security domain are expected to be instrumental in driving the fund’s growth and improving healthcare access for Tanzanians.
Also read: Why NHIF Is Trapped In Endless Wrangles With Private Hospitals
NHIF has faced increasing pressure to expand its coverage and improve service delivery. Tensions with private health facilities over reimbursement rates and other issues have also posed significant challenges. Isaka will be tasked with navigating these complexities and finding solutions that benefit both the fund and healthcare providers.
As she assumes the helm of NHIF, Dr. Irene Isaka inherits a complex but crucial role. Her ability to leverage her extensive experience and build strong partnerships will be essential in steering the fund towards its goals of providing affordable and accessible healthcare for all Tanzanians.
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