The application of Rawls’ Theory of Justice in providing equitable free Health services to Geriatrics in Tanzania

Abstract Everyone has the right to a standard of living and adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including medical care and necessary social services, although health services to elders are compromised. The study aimed to examine application of Rawls Theory of Justice in understanding the institutional arrangements, internal policy and legal framework, the established mechanisms from selected two local government authorities. The study used pragmatism paradigm with concurrent research design and a sample size of 300 respondents were selected through purposive sampling techniques and convenience sampling. A desk based review methods and field data collection approach using questionnaire and interviews was employed to collect data The study found that there was social welfare committee that deals with social matters though specific responsibilities to geriatrics' health services were not explained. Respondents from 30 interviews revealed that they don't know about free health accessibility to geriatrics. Additionally, the elders' councils are not formed as well as absence of social assistance. Older people are not clearly identified in the villages and there is no proper registration in the village executive offices in recent years and general meetings and poster announcement as mechanisms to sensitization which isn't effective.