PLANS are at an advanced stage as the government is drafting guidelines that will cater for the National Health exemption to the disabled, including people living with albinism.
Moreover, the government has included
sunscreen lotion for people with albinism in the medicine package to be
supplied by the Medical Stores Department (MSD) to public health
facilities.
The Deputy Minister in the Prime
Minister’s Office responsible for the Disabled, Ms Stella Ikupa, said in
Parliament here yesterday that the government is aware of the
challenges facing people with albinism, and has therefore applied a
number of interventions.
She said in 2016/17, the government has
distributed sunscreen lotions and eye glasses as part of the measures to
help people with albinism tackle their challenges. Answering Ms Mgeni
Kadika (Special Seats-CUF) who wanted to know if sunscreen lotions are
being taxed, making the retail prices unaffordable to majority of people
with albinism.
Responding, Ms Ikupa directed all
district and municipal council executives in the country to ensure they
include sunscreen lotion in their drugs order when they order other
medicines from MSD.
Moreover, she said the government has
exempted tax on importation of technical aid and appliances, including
sunscreen lotion. Ms Amina Mollel (Special Seats-CCM) asked the
government to ensure people with albinism, especially in rural areas,
are availed with sunscreen lotion which is scarce, putting them at a
risk of getting skin cancer.
The Deputy Minister said that a
directive has been issued to districts and municipalities to give
special focus to rural areas when it comes to supply and distribution of
sunscreen lotion and technical appliances to people with albinism.
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