The Director of Health, Nutrition, and Social Welfare at the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Dr. Rashid Mfaume, has expressed concern over the poor performance of some regions in utilizing government-developed digital health systems, specifically the Government of Tanzania Hospital Management Information System (GOTHOMIS).
Speaking during the ongoing annual meeting for in-charges of primary healthcare facilities at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma, Dr. Mfaume called on health facility leaders to adopt proactive and result-oriented strategies to address recurring setbacks in digital health system adoption.
“We have invested heavily in developing these systems to improve service delivery at all levels, especially in primary healthcare. There is no excuse for any region to lag behind. Every in-charge must take responsibility and ensure full implementation of GOTHOMIS at their facilities,” said Dr. Mfaume.
He emphasized that while the meeting provides a platform to discuss professional matters, challenges, and achievements, it is also intended to assess and improve the performance of healthcare facility leaders across the country.
“This is not just a meeting to exchange experiences; it is a tool to hold each other accountable and eliminate the inefficiencies that deny our citizens the quality health services they deserve,” he added.
According to a performance report presented by the Director of the ICT Department at PO-RALG, Mr. Erick Kitali, Ruvuma Region emerged as the top performer in GOTHOMIS usage as of April 2025. Other top-performing regions include Songwe, Mbeya, Kigoma, and Singida.
In contrast, the bottom five regions were listed as Tabora, Pwani, Shinyanga, Njombe, and Iringa.“The data clearly shows where efforts are being made and where gaps remain. We need to see urgent improvements, particularly in the regions at the bottom,” said Mr. Kitali.
Dr. Mfaume concluded by urging all health leaders to embrace innovation and digital tools to ensure that every Tanzanian can access efficient and reliable healthcare services.
