Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government has announced sweeping reforms aimed at upgrading the country’s health sector to international standards, with a strong focus on improving service delivery, expanding specialised care and enhancing the welfare of health workers.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Monday during a visit to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa said the reforms are built around six key strategic pillars designed to transform the country’s healthcare system into a globally competitive sector.
“At the centre of these reforms is the improvement of service delivery and the pursuit of international accreditation,” said Mr Mchengerwa during his visit, which included a session with health workers.
He directed Muhimbili Hospital and other health institutions, including zonal hospitals and facilities across the country, to immediately begin the accreditation process to attract patients from other countries.
Other priority areas of the reform agenda include the establishment of pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries, strengthening of medical tourism, enhancement of preventive healthcare, expansion of medical research and innovation, and the promotion of digital health through modern technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The Health Minister also announced that the government is preparing a major upgrade of Muhimbili National Hospital, with planned investments estimated at 1.3tri/-.
He highlighted notable progress in the government’s drive to expand access to super-specialised medical services.
He said that in the 2024/25 financial year, the government allocated 8bn/- to key referral institutions, including MNH, the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital.
“These funds supported patients who could not afford specialised treatment. Through this programme, 677 Tanzanians received lifesaving care within the country,” the minister said.
In addition, for the 2025/26 financial year, the government has earmarked 6.7bn/- to support treatment for at least 760 low-income patients in need of specialised services.
“We will continue allocating funds to ensure that no Tanzanian is denied specialised care due to financial challenges,” he said.
“Our long-term objective is to strengthen our domestic healthcare capacity, reduce costly foreign referrals and position Tanzania as a destination for medical tourism,” he said.
Presenting the hospital’s performance report up to October this year, MNH Executive Director, Dr Delilah Kimambo, said the institution has made significant strides in improving healthcare services through the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
She said MNH has introduced specialised AIpowered medical equipment known as Dozee AI, which monitors patients’ vital signs and enables early detection of potential deterioration before complications arise.
According to her, the system has significantly reduced delays in providing emergency care to admitted patients and enhanced timely clinical decision-making through real-time data accessed at nursing stations.
“This system has helped to minimise delays in emergency response and improved accuracy in clinical decisions, as patient information is now available instantly at nurse stations,” Dr Kimambo said.
She further attributed the hospital’s growing performance to sustained government investments in infrastructure, as well as continuous training for health workers, which have enhanced service quality and boosted public confidence.
