Under the Tanzanian labour laws, employers are placed with the duty to cover the medical expenses for their employees however this coverage only extends to employees whose accommodation is within the employer’s premises. This responsibility is enshrined in the Employment and Labour Relations Act Chapter 366 R; E 2019.
Most employers create safe environment, especially on providing medical facilities to their employees, in reducing costs, employers have internal health care centres in the work premises, to help them in case an employee suffers any health challenges while at work. In the event employee is referred to external medical facilities, after the employer has provided medical treatment and attention required by law, then the employer does not remain with the burden to incur the medical costs incurred in the external medical facilities.
On the issue of extent of coverage, on occupational Versus Non- Occupational Diseases, it should be noted that, Occupational diseases are listed under the Third Schedule of the Worker’s Compensation Act, RE 2015, which indicates the extent of employer’s liability as provided under Section 100 of The Employment and Labour Relations Act, Chapter 366 R; E 2019 whereby the employer shall be required to cover the medical expenses in full for the employee.
Where the employer fails to fulfil their legal obligations as stipulated under the given laws, the employee can institute legal proceedings against the employer, as the employer would have breached his liability toward the employees working within his work premises