The government has invested more than TSh 1.34 trillion in the past four years to strengthen primary healthcare services across the country, in what officials describe as a major push to improve access, quality and equity in health service delivery.
Speaking during the National Health Week 2026 celebrations held in Kibiti, Pwani Region, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (Health), Prof. Tumaini Nagu, said the investment has driven significant expansion of health infrastructure nationwide.
“The government has invested more than TSh 1.34 trillion to bring reforms in the delivery of primary healthcare services within the last four years under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan,” said Prof. Nagu.
He said the funds have supported the construction of more than 129 new hospitals, rehabilitation of 43 existing hospitals, and the upgrading and construction of over 320 new health centres.
According to him, these interventions have significantly improved access to essential services, including emergency obstetric care and neonatal health services, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
In addition to infrastructure development, Prof. Nagu said the government has intensified improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems in health facilities as part of broader efforts to reduce preventable infections and improve patient safety.
“In the past five years, the government has installed improved water and handwashing facilities in 3,457 primary healthcare facilities,” he said.
He emphasised that WASH services remain central to disease prevention and quality healthcare delivery.
“Strengthening water and sanitation services is a key pillar in controlling infections and remains a priority of the government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan,” he said.
Prof. Nagu further noted that the government continues to invest in the current financial year, with a total of 505 health facilities receiving TSh 20.9 billion for the development of water and sanitation infrastructure.
He said the ongoing investments are aimed at ensuring that health facilities meet required service standards and are able to deliver safe and reliable care to citizens.
The government, he added, is committed to reducing disparities in access to healthcare between urban and rural populations through sustained infrastructure development and improved service delivery systems.
Prof. Nagu also expressed appreciation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising the health sector, saying the reforms have accelerated progress towards universal access to quality primary healthcare.
“We thank the President for her strong commitment to improving health services in the country,” he said. “We also commend the Minister for Health, Mr. Mohamed Mchengerwa, for his leadership and effective oversight of sector reforms.”
He said the combined leadership efforts are helping to advance the government’s broader agenda of strengthening equitable access to healthcare services nationwide.
The National Health Week celebrations brought together government officials, health experts and development stakeholders, showcasing progress made in the health sector while highlighting ongoing efforts to further improve service delivery across the country.
