The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to improving palliative care services across the country to ensure that patients with chronic illnesses receive compassionate and comprehensive treatment.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the commemoration of the Day for Patients with Chronic Diseases, Dr. Mwinyikondo Amiri, Assistant Director for Clinical Services Palliative Care, Elderly, and Rehabilitation said the initiative seeks to enhance the quality of healthcare for patients suffering from long-term conditions.
“Palliative care is an integrated service that supports patients through all stages of illness from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and long-term support,” Dr. Amiri said.
He explained that palliative care services in Tanzania began in 1996 through the Ocean Road Cancer Institute, initially serving cancer patients.
Over the years, the services have expanded to include people living with HIV, as well as patients with heart and blood diseases.
Dr. Amiri said one of the key components of palliative care is the relief of chronic pain using specialized medication such as liquid morphine, which is provided to patients suffering from severe pain, especially cancer patients.
“We are proud that access to morphine at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute has now reached 100 percent,” he noted.
He added that the success of palliative care services is the result of strong collaboration between the government and various partners, including faith-based and private institutions.
Among them are the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) in Arusha, special care centers in Tanga, the Catholic Church’s PASADA in Dar es Salaam, and CCP Medicine.
Despite this progress, Dr. Amiri pointed out that limited public awareness remains a key challenge.
Many people still do not fully understand the importance of palliative care and how it can improve the well-being of patients and their families.
“Palliative care focuses not only on physical pain but also on psychological and social suffering. It brings comfort and dignity to patients and the families who care for them,” he emphasized.
Dr. Amiri urged healthcare professionals doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and psychologists as well as spiritual leaders to play an active role in supporting palliative care.
“Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives respectful, compassionate, and holistic care until the end of life, with love and understanding from family and community,” he concluded.