The government has intensified efforts to expand access to healthcare by introducing seven modern boats to support outreach vaccination services, with a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency in water transport.
Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, launched the boats at Nyamisati Port in Rufiji District, noting that the investment will help bridge the gap in delivering essential health services to remote and hard-to-reach communities.
He said the boats are built with advanced marine technology and tailored to operate in challenging water environments, enabling health workers to reach isolated areas quickly and reliably.
Each vessel is powered by two 100-horsepower engines, offering improved speed, stability and durability during service delivery.
“These boats reflect our commitment to strengthening healthcare systems by investing in modern and safe transport solutions,” Mchengerwa said, stressing that timely access to services remains a key priority for the government.
Safety features have been fully integrated into the vessels, with each boat equipped with life-saving gear, including eight life jackets.
The minister urged all operators and users to strictly observe safety guidelines and adhere to the recommended passenger capacity to prevent avoidable risks.
He further emphasized that the success of the investment will depend on proper management and discipline, noting that technology must be supported by responsible use and adherence to established procedures.
The deployment of the boats is expected to significantly enhance the delivery of outreach and mobile health services, particularly vaccination campaigns.
By reducing travel time, healthcare providers will be able to spend more time serving communities, improving coverage and ensuring more citizens receive timely immunization.
The initiative underscores the government’s broader strategy to use technology and infrastructure to strengthen public service delivery and ensure equitable access to healthcare across the country.
