Investment in modern laboratory infrastructure and a medical oxygen production plant at Temeke Regional Referral Hospital is significantly improving the quality and availability of health services for patients in Dar es Salaam and neighbouring regions.
Deputy Minister for Health Florence Samizi said the improvements reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to essential medical services.
She made the remarks on March 17, 2026, during a visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS to inspect health facilities and services at the hospital.
Dr. Samizi said the hospital, in collaboration with development partners, has renovated its Molecular Laboratory building at a cost of Sh437 million.
The project involved refurbishing the facility, installing a reliable electricity system and procuring modern furniture to support advanced diagnostic services.
The upgraded laboratory has the capacity to process up to 4,200 samples within 24 hours, serving health facilities in Dar es Salaam and neighbouring Pwani Region.
According to the Deputy Minister, the laboratory conducts an average of 30,000 HIV Viral Load tests every month, helping doctors monitor the effectiveness of treatment among people living with HIV.
It also carries out 1,200 Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) tests, enabling early detection of HIV among babies born to mothers living with the virus.
In addition, the facility performs 2,600 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests monthly, which are critical in detecting risks associated with cervical cancer, as well as 80 HIV drug resistance tests used to determine whether patients require adjustments in their treatment.
“These services are essential in improving early diagnosis and ensuring that patients receive the right treatment at the right time,” Dr. Samizi said.
Beyond laboratory services, the hospital has also completed the construction and installation of a medical oxygen production plant worth Sh1.43 billion.
The project was funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and implemented between March and November 2025.
Dr. Samizi said the oxygen plant now enables the hospital to produce medical oxygen on-site, reducing reliance on external suppliers and ensuring a stable supply for critical care services.
The facility has the capacity to supply oxygen directly across hospital wards, operating theatres, the emergency and casualty department, and dialysis units.
It can also fill an average of 10 oxygen cylinders per day, helping meet the hospital’s increasing demand for oxygen.
During the visit, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS inspected the facilities and praised the investment, saying it has strengthened the hospital’s ability to provide lifesaving services.
Committee chairperson Johannes Lukumay said the committee was satisfied with the improvements made at the hospital.
He noted that the availability of a medical oxygen plant is particularly important in supporting emergency care and saving lives of patients who require critical treatment.
Dr. Lukumay also emphasized the importance of maintaining medical equipment and hospital infrastructure through Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) programmes.
He urged hospital management and the Ministry of Health to allocate sufficient funds for regular maintenance to ensure equipment remains operational, prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the lifespan of medical devices.
The government has continued to invest heavily in health infrastructure, modern medical equipment and specialised services across the country as part of broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery and ensure citizens receive quality medical care closer to where they live.
