Unlocking Healthcare Access The Impact of Cash Transfers on Household Service Utilization in Tanzania

This study examines the influence of cash transfer programs on healthcare service utilization among households in Tanzania, with a focus on how cash transfers impact access to essential health services. Drawing on data from various households, the study explores the relationship between cash transfer amounts, disbursement mechanisms, waiting times, and healthcare access. Using Andersen’s Healthcare Services Utilization Model as a theoretical framework, along with the Social Risk Management (SRM) Framework, the research highlights the role of financial support as an enabling factor in improving health outcomes. The study is a cross-sectional design and used an ordered Probit regression model to examine how Cash Transfers affect households' use of healthcare services. The findings reveal that timely and sufficient cash transfers significantly increase healthcare service utilization, particularly for maternal and child health services. Households receiving larger cash transfers and accessing funds through direct or mobile payments were more likely to seek medical care. However, delays in cash disbursement and high transaction costs hindered healthcare access for some households. The study concludes that effective cash transfer programs can be crucial in bridging healthcare gaps, especially in low-income and vulnerable populations. Policy recommendations include improving cash transfer delivery mechanisms and ensuring timely disbursement to enhance healthcare access in Tanzania.