The government has allocated more than TZS 40.6 billion to improve health infrastructure, procure essential medicines and equipment, and implement critical health interventions, including nutrition programs, malaria and tuberculosis control, and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, the Songwe Regional Commissioner, Jabiri Makame, has announced.
Speaking on September 15 during the official launch of the “Dr. Samia Specialist Doctors Mobile Clinics” in Songwe, RC Makame said the initiative reflects the Sixth Phase Government’s commitment, under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, to ensure quality healthcare reaches all citizens.
He noted that government efforts to improve medicine availability have increased access by 90 percent, contributing to better healthcare delivery and a sharp drop in infant mortality—from 320 deaths in 2022 to 146 in 2023.
RC Makame highlighted that from 2020 to 2025, the region has made significant progress, including expanding health centers from 205 to 273 and hospitals from 2 to 5, to improve both primary and specialized healthcare.
He also revealed that 725 health workers have been recruited between 2021 and 2025 to address staffing shortages and bring services closer to communities.
Urging regional leaders and officials to support the doctors fully, RC Makame said such cooperation is crucial to ensure high-quality services that benefit residents.
He also called on the public to work with health professionals to achieve universal access to quality care.
Pasclina Andrew, Coordinator of the “Mama Samia Specialist Doctors Mobile Clinic” in Songwe, said the government’s investment is a major step in improving local healthcare.
She noted that residents will no longer need to travel to other regions for specialist services.
“The arrival of this medical camp offers immediate benefits, providing access to specialist care that previously required travel to cities like Dar es Salaam and Mbeya, saving time and costs. The camp will also enhance the skills of local health professionals through training and mentorship, bringing specialist services closer to Songwe residents,” she said.
A team of 30 doctors, including specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, anesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, and dentistry, alongside specialist nurses, will provide mobile services for one week across all five councils of Songwe region.