The Minister for Health, Jenista Mhagama, has tabled a budget proposal amounting to TSh 1.68 trillion before the National Assembly for the 2025/26 financial year, aimed at implementing key priorities and interventions in the health sector.
Presenting the budget in Parliament on June 2, 2025, in Dodoma, Minister Mhagama said the funds will be used to strengthen preventive healthcare services, particularly in the fight against infectious diseases including epidemics, neglected tropical diseases, and non-communicable diseases as well as to improve nutrition services.
“Our focus is to enhance the quality and accessibility of health services at all levels, from dispensaries to national referral hospitals,” she said.
“This includes deploying digital health solutions such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and integrating systems to ensure interoperability and data-driven decision-making.”he added
The minister noted that the government will also intensify efforts to improve health financing systems. This includes the continued implementation of the Universal Health Insurance Law by allocating resources to adapt to evolving international policies and shifts in health sector funding dynamics.
“We are committed to improving reproductive, maternal, and child health services to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality,” she stated.
“Planned interventions include the procurement and distribution of essential medicines for safe deliveries and family planning, deworming treatments, iron supplements, malaria drugs, medical supplies, equipment, and laboratory reagents.”he added
Minister Mhagama emphasized that part of the budget will support the training and development of healthcare professionals at various levels mid-level, specialist, and super-specialist.
The government plans to fund training programs both locally and internationally, especially for strategic cadres and critical skill areas.
Additionally, the ministry aims to enhance specialist and super-specialist treatment services and promote medical tourism in Tanzania.
“We will continue expanding these services at the national hospital, specialized hospitals, zonal referral hospitals, and regional referral hospitals,” she said. “New services will also be introduced based on emerging health needs.”
The minister highlighted the importance of traditional and alternative medicine in the country’s health system. The ministry plans to increase the number of regional referral hospitals offering integrated traditional medicine services from the current 14 to 21.
To support the effective implementation of the budget, Minister Mhagama said the government will focus on improving the availability and quality of treatment for communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as epidemic preparedness, by strengthening the local production of essential biocides and other medical inputs.
“This budget reflects our continued commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and accessible healthcare system for all Tanzanians,” she concluded.