By Charles Mkoka
The Tanzanian government is set to transform Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), with plans to rebuild it into a modern, state-of-the-art healthcare facility that will provide comprehensive services under one roof.
The ambitious project will cost a staggering TZS 1.2 trillion (USD 468 million), with the South Korean government contributing USD 364 million and the Tanzanian government adding USD 104 million to the funding pool.
This announcement, made today by Dr. Rachel Mhaville, the Director of Surgical Services, highlights the government’s commitment to improving the healthcare landscape under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. The project aims to expand the hospital's capacity, increasing the bed count from 1,435 to 1,757.
Once completed, the new facility will become the largest and most advanced in the region, providing modern medical equipment, specialist care, and advanced surgical services that will significantly reduce the need for overseas treatment.
Dr. Mhaville confirmed that the feasibility study for the project has already been completed, and the final steps are underway to sign a formal agreement between the Tanzanian and South Korean governments. The construction will be carried out in a single phase, which will span five years, without disrupting services at the hospital.
Muhimbili’s dual campuses—Upanga and Mloganzila—currently treat an average of 4,000 patients daily, and this renovation is designed to enhance patient care while ensuring that services continue seamlessly.
The project is more than just a renovation; it is a game-changer for Tanzanian healthcare. By consolidating all services into one building, patients will no longer need to travel for different treatments, eliminating unnecessary inconvenience and expenses.
Additionally, the design of the new hospital will create a spacious environment with room for future development over the next 50 years. This long-term vision reflects a commitment to sustainable healthcare solutions that will serve generations to come.
Dr. Mhaville also emphasized the significance of this project for the broader African region, noting that the hospital will not only improve local care but also become a hub for advanced medical research and innovation.
In many ways, this endeavor mirrors the broader goals of President Samia’s leadership: to modernize infrastructure, strengthen national healthcare systems, and ultimately reduce the financial burden on Tanzanians by keeping critical services at home.
With the project moving forward and key milestones being met, the rebuilding of Muhimbili National Hospital is a testament to Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan's determination to leave a lasting legacy in the Tanzanian health sector—a vision that will surely reshape the future of healthcare for both the country and the continent.