By The Respondents reporter
Makete District Hospital in Tanzania’s southern Njombe Region has recorded a significant increase in patient numbers following sustained government investment in healthcare infrastructure and medical equipment, local authorities said on Wednesday.
Hospital data show that annual patient visits rose from 11,485 in 2021 to 26,317 in 2025, representing a 43% increase, a development largely attributed to improved facilities, expanded services and enhanced staffing levels.
The hospital’s Medical Officer in Charge, Dr Amanda Molel, disclosed the figures on January 8, 2025, during an official visit by Deputy Minister for Health in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government – TAMISEMI), Dr Jafar Seif, who was inspecting healthcare service delivery and ongoing development projects at the facility.
Dr. Molel said that targeted investments had strengthened the hospital’s capacity to serve the local population and surrounding districts, thereby improving public confidence in the quality and reliability of the services.
Speaking to hospital staff, Deputy Minister Dr. Seif commended the health workers for maintaining high service standards and urged them to ensure that improvements in physical infrastructure are matched by compassionate and ethical patient care.
“The government has invested heavily in infrastructure, medicines, and medical equipment. What must follow is service delivery that reflects professionalism, empathy, and respect for patients,” he said.
Makete District Hospital is among Tanzania’s long-established district hospitals that have benefited from government funding between 2020 and 2025 aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery at the local level.
During this period, the hospital has upgraded its emergency services unit, constructed a perimeter fence, and built new facilities, including operating theatres, laboratories, laundry services, and a medical waste incinerator, alongside major renovations of the outpatient department (OPD) complex.
Health officials say the improvements have expanded access to essential medical services, reduced referrals to distant facilities,and contributed to increased utilisation of public healthcare services in rural areas
