The government has called on private health sector stakeholders to improve service quality, invest in community health education, and uphold professional standards as part of broader efforts to achieve universal access to quality healthcare.
The call was made on April 20, 2026 in Dodoma by Deputy Minister for Health, Florence Samizi, representing the Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, during the Private Health Sector Stakeholders Conference.
Dr. Samizi said the private sector remains a critical partner in expanding healthcare access and improving public health outcomes, stressing that while the government continues to invest in modern medical equipment, prevention must take centre stage.
“It is true that we have purchased and will continue to purchase modern equipment, but we cannot do so indefinitely. Directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasize the importance of behavioral change to prevent non-communicable diseases,” she said.
She warned that non-communicable diseases are increasing due to changing lifestyles, driving up treatment costs and putting pressure on the health system.
However, she noted that many of these conditions can be prevented through early intervention and public awareness.
To strengthen prevention efforts, Dr. Samizi urged private health facilities to establish dedicated community health education units to help citizens understand disease risks and monitor key health indicators.
She added that the government is developing targeted programmes to improve public awareness of essential health metrics, enabling individuals to take early action when abnormalities are detected.
On regulation, Dr. Samizi stressed that healthcare is not an ordinary business but a vital social service that must comply with registration requirements, standards, and ethical practices to ensure patient safety.
She also acknowledged concerns from investors regarding multiple fees and charges, noting that the government is reviewing the system to make it more supportive of private sector growth while maintaining quality of care.
Dr. Samizi further pointed to the emergence of new services such as fitness centres, saying the government is putting in place measures to ensure they operate safely and meet required standards.
She underscored the importance of public-private collaboration, noting that over 40 percent of healthcare services and financing in Tanzania are contributed by the private sector.
“We must work together. No country can succeed without collaboration; the government alone cannot do it,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gakala Health Centre Director, Gunda Gakala, commended the government for its continued support, noting that the facility offers a wide range of services including outpatient, inpatient, dental, eye care, and surgical services.
He said the conference provided an important platform to exchange ideas, learn best practices, and gain insights from both national and international experts.
Dr. Saidi Ally Saidi of Afya Plus in Dar es Salaam highlighted the growing role of digital health, including artificial intelligence, in transforming healthcare delivery.
He said technology will be key in advancing universal health coverage by improving efficiency, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and expanding access to services.
Held under the theme “Strengthening quality and professionalism in private health service delivery towards achieving universal health coverage in Tanzania,” the conference reflects the government’s continued push to improve the health sector under the sixth-phase administration, with stronger private sector participation seen as essential to delivering accessible and high-quality healthcare nationwide.
