Minister of Health,Mohamed Mchengerwa, emphasized the need for fair and transparent salary structures in the public sector, stressing that remuneration should reflect equal qualifications, comparable workload, and professional standards.
He called for the inclusion of both policy and financial proposals in the government’s 2026/2027 budget to guarantee proper implementation, in line with CCM’s election manifesto, specifically points 49(ii) and 49(iii), which focus on enhancing public service efficiency, professionalism, and accountability.
Minister Mchengerwa highlighted his extensive experience in implementing salary reviews, noting the importance of comprehensive guidelines and frameworks to ensure reforms translate into practical outcomes.
As the parent ministry responsible for medical staff salaries, he pledged close coordination with the President’s Office – Public Service Management (UTUMISHI) to develop a robust salary grading system, ensuring that policy proposals receive full approval and are effectively implemented under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Turning to the health sector, the Minister underscored the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), stressing that the current AI-driven era relies heavily on high-quality research and data, much of which is published in academic literature.
“In the era of Artificial Intelligence, where what has not been researched does not exist, research and data are essential to ensure continued global advancement,” he said.
The Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) is set to strengthen research and academic publications, particularly peer-reviewed studies that incorporate national health data.
This initiative aims to elevate Tanzanian medical expertise while integrating global knowledge, guidance, and AI-based data training into the health sector.
In his closing remarks, Minister Mchengerwa expressed gratitude to doctors across Tanzania, acknowledging their dedication in challenging work environments.
He particularly commended ORCI staff for their commitment to delivering high-quality services and care to cancer patients nationwide.
The Minister also announced the appointment of ORCI’s new board, led by Professor Ephata Kaaya, which will bring together experts from various fields to provide strategic leadership.
The board is expected to ensure that ORCI continues to develop as a center of excellence in medical care and cancer research across Africa.