On September 7, 2026, Ifakara Health Institute scientist Dr. Peter Binyaruka facilitated a session on capitation as a healthcare provider payment method under Tanzania’s Universal Health Insurance (UHI) programme during the Annual General Meeting of the Tanzania Christian Medical Association (TCMA), held in Dodoma.

Organised in collaboration with the Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC), the meeting brought together more than 200 delegates, including healthcare professionals and managers from church-owned health facilities across Tanzania, under the theme “Advancing Universal Health Coverage: Realizing Health for All.”

The session explored the role of healthcare provider payment mechanisms, focusing particularly on capitation and its implications for faith-based health facilities as Tanzania advances the implementation of Universal Health Insurance.

Exploring capitation under Universal Health Insurance

Capitation is a healthcare financing approach in which providers receive a predetermined payment per enrolled person for delivering an agreed package of health services over a specified period.

During the session, Binyaruka highlighted the potential of capitation to improve cost control, promote efficiency and provide more predictable financing for primary healthcare services.

He also emphasised that successful implementation requires careful consideration of several factors, including payment rates, benefit packages, population assignment, risk adjustment, timely payments, accountability mechanisms, reliable data systems and incentives to maintain quality healthcare services.

Engaging faith-based healthcare providers

The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives with faith-based healthcare providers, many of whom have extensive experience with fee-for-service payment arrangements under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), but limited exposure to capitation.

The session highlighted the importance of preparing healthcare providers for changes in financing arrangements and ensuring that payment mechanisms reflect the operational realities of health facilities.

Faith-based health facilities play an important role in Tanzania's healthcare system, complementing public health services and extending access to essential healthcare across the country.

Ifakara's participation in the meeting contributed to ongoing discussions on strengthening health financing systems and supporting Tanzania's progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The engagement also underscored the importance of connecting health financing policies with the practical experiences of healthcare providers to support effective implementation of Universal Health Insurance.