RRA offers health insurance to the vulnerable

At least 1000 vulnerable people in the Northern Province will be able to access health services, after receiving free health insurance (Mutuelle de Sante) from Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) on May 28th, 2010.

The announcement was made during celebrations to mark the 9th Taxpayer’s Day held at Ubworoherane Stadium in Musanze District.

Recently, RRA offered the health insurance scheme to 1000 vulnerable people in Gatstibo district Eastern province during celebrations to mark the taxpayer’s day at provincial level.

While addressing participants Ben Kagarama, the Deputy Commissioner for large taxpayers Office at RRA said the development is part of the institution’s social corporate responsibility.

“As we award best performers (taxpayers), we as well reach out to the community, especially through helping the vulnerable,” Kagarama said. One of the beneficiaries, Herbert Ngamije, appreciated RRA’s move saying it will have a great impact on his life.

“I have spent two years without this card, but I am now happy because I will be able to get medical care.” Ngamije said. Speaking at the event, the private sector representative, Opportune Uwamariya, urged RRA to streamline some of their policies.

“We need more tax education, RRA should also open accounts in various banks to enable us pay with less transport costs and have a Kinyarwanda version on the tax principals,” Uwamariya said. Since the launch of taxpayer’s day on May 8th in Rubavu district, Western Province, RRA has been involved in various social activities to mark the taxpayer’s week that precedes Taxpayer’s Day celebrations at national level scheduled to take place on June 12th, 2010 in Rusizi district.