A bold step forward: Tanzania announces wide-ranging health reforms designed to elevate the national system to international standards, with a clear emphasis on better service delivery, expanded specialised care, and stronger support for health workers.
During a visit to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam on Monday, Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa outlined a six-pillar plan aimed at reshaping the country’s healthcare into a globally competitive sector. He stressed that the reforms center on upgrading service quality and pursuing international accreditation, directing MNH and other facilities nationwide to begin the accreditation process right away to attract patients from beyond Tanzania’s borders.
Key priorities include building domestic pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries, boosting medical tourism, advancing preventive healthcare, expanding medical research and innovation, and promoting digital health through modern technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The minister also announced a substantial upgrade for MNH with projected investments of about 1.3 trillion shillings. He highlighted progress in widening access to high-level medical services and noted that, in the 2024/25 financial year, the government allocated 8 billion shillings to major referral institutions such as MNH, the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. The funds supported patients unable to afford specialised care, enabling 677 Tanzanians to receive lifesaving treatment domestically.
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 financial year, the government plans to allocate 6.7 billion shillings to support treatment for at least 760 low-income patients requiring specialised services. The Health Minister reiterated a commitment to ensure financial barriers do not prevent Tanzanians from accessing the care they need and to fortify the country’s own healthcare capacity so costly foreign referrals diminish, all while positioning Tanzania as a medical tourism destination.
In MNH’s performance report through October, Executive Director Dr. Delilah Kimambo described notable gains in service delivery through the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence. She highlighted the introduction of Dozee AI, a specialised monitoring system that tracks patients’ vital signs and enables early warning of potential deterioration, helping prevent complications.
Dr. Kimambo noted that the Dozee AI system has reduced emergency delays and improved real-time clinical decision-making by making patient information instantly available at nursing stations. She attributed the hospital’s rising performance to sustained government investment in infrastructure and ongoing staff training, which have enhanced service quality and strengthened public trust.
