Tanzania’s Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (Health), Prof. Tumaini Nagu, has called on the country’s senior medical professionals to uphold professional excellence and accountability, as the government continues to register remarkable progress in healthcare delivery under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership.
Speaking in Dodoma on Thursday at the opening of a three-day national meeting of Regional and Council Medical Officers, Prof. Nagu hailed President Samia for spearheading major improvements in primary healthcare infrastructure, services, and human resources over the past four years.
“This is a celebration of the transformative investment our government has made in health, particularly at the primary level where over 95 percent of our citizens access care,” said Prof. Nagu.
“We now need our doctors to match that investment with unwavering professionalism, diligence and commitment to serving the people.”he added
Held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre, the annual gathering has brought together frontline health leaders from across the country to review sector performance, share best practices, and develop coordinated strategies to strengthen service delivery in line with national development plans.
Prof. Nagu emphasized that the forum will also focus on improving resource management at health facilities, enhancing coordination between national and sub-national health systems, and accelerating implementation of health programmes.
“This forum is not just a meeting – it is a space to shape the future of health in our communities,” she added.
Government Chief Medical Officer Dr. Grace Magembe underscored the critical role Regional and Council Medical Officers play in the policy landscape, saying their perspectives are essential for grounded and people-centred health reforms.
“These officers are the bridge between policy and action. Their lived experience in communities makes them vital voices in the development and execution of effective health strategies,” said Dr. Magembe.
The meeting is being held under the theme “The Role of Regional and Council Medical Officers in Strengthening Quality Healthcare Services Towards Universal Health Insurance” and will be officially opened on Friday by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
President Samia’s administration has prioritised healthcare among its flagship initiatives, with ongoing investments in the construction and rehabilitation of health centres, recruitment and deployment of medical professionals, acquisition of modern diagnostic equipment, and digitisation of hospital operations.
The gathering marks a key milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), aligning with both the nation’s Vision 2025 and the global Sustainable Development Goals.