dar es salaam. South African medical scheme administrator Discovery Health – Global Health Solutions has unveiled a new strategy aimed at improving workplace health services in Tanzania, as the company looks to strengthen its presence in the country's growing employer health insurance market.
The company, formerly known as Vitality Health International (Africa), was officially rebranded earlier this year as part of a broader expansion plan targeting employer healthcare and workforce wellness solutions across Africa.
Speaking on the company’s plans for Tanzania, Emma Knox, Chief Executive Officer, Discovery Health – Global Health Solutions, said the company wants to move beyond traditional medical insurance by integrating healthcare cover, employee wellness programs and digital health management systems.
“We want to go beyond traditional health insurance by building an integrated health system for employers across Africa,” he said.
“This model combines medical insurance, vitality wellness programs, and advanced clinical and administrative capabilities,” he said.
The company said it plans to strengthen partnerships with local insurers in Tanzania to provide health care solutions tailored to the needs of employers and workers.
Key priorities outlined by the firm include preventive health care programs focusing on exercise, nutrition and regular medical checkups, which the company says can help improve employee well-being and productivity while reducing long-term treatment costs.
Discovery Health also plans to expand the use of digital health services and telemedicine in Tanzania to improve access to medical support, especially for workers in different regions of the country.
Knox said the company will use health data analytics and technology to identify disease risks early and help employers better manage health care costs.
The company also intends to launch incentive-based wellness programs aimed at encouraging workers to participate in health and fitness initiatives at workplaces.
Additionally, Discovery Health said it will focus on addressing health challenges affecting Tanzania, including malaria, chronic diseases and maternal and child health.
In Tanzania, the company will continue to work with local insurer Strategies Insurance, a partnership that began in 2024.
According to the company, the collaboration aims to ensure that health care products and services reflect local market conditions and the needs of Tanzanian employers.
Dr Malav Manek, Chief Executive Officer, Strategies Insurance, said the partnership will help expand innovative health insurance products in the country.
“We believe this collaboration will improve the quality of service for our customers while contributing to the development of Tanzania’s health and insurance sectors,” he said.
In addition to traditional health insurance services, Discovery Health also introduces Administrative Services Only (ASO), a health care management model designed to help larger companies manage employee health services more efficiently.
Discovery Health is one of South Africa's largest managed healthcare companies, with over 34 years of experience in medical plan administration and managed care services.
The company currently manages healthcare services for over 3.6 million members across Africa using digital systems, data science and clinical expertise to improve healthcare delivery and control medical costs for employers and institutions.