Muhimbili National Hospital has launched a modern mobile surgical vehicle, the first of its kind in the country, in a major step aimed at improving access to specialist healthcare services and bringing treatment closer to communities across Tanzania.
The launch, held on May 20, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, marks a new milestone in efforts to reduce the gap in access to advanced medical services, particularly for people living in remote and underserved areas.
The Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Florence Samizi, who represented the Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, said the mobile surgical unit will help transform service delivery by reaching patients where they are instead of requiring them to travel long distances to major hospitals.
She said many citizens have continued to face challenges such as high transport costs, delays in receiving treatment, and limited access to specialist doctors, especially in rural areas. The new vehicle is expected to ease these burdens significantly.
Dr. Samizi praised the Sokus Kova Foundation for supporting the acquisition of the vehicle from China, saying the partnership demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in strengthening Tanzania’s health system.
She said the initiative will help the government improve equity in healthcare delivery by ensuring that even people in hard-to-reach areas can access quality surgical services.
The Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital, Dr. Delilah Kimambo, said the mobile surgical vehicle is equipped with advanced medical technology and modern surgical equipment that allows doctors to perform a range of procedures, including emergency surgeries and specialist consultations.
She said the unit will be deployed to different regions of the country based on need, with priority given to areas with limited access to specialized healthcare services.
Dr. Kimambo added that the initiative will also help reduce overcrowding at referral hospitals and improve efficiency in service delivery by bringing services closer to patients.
The vehicle, valued at more than one billion Tanzanian shillings, is the first of its kind in Tanzania and represents a significant investment in modern healthcare delivery systems.
Health officials said the mobile surgical unit is expected to play a key role in saving lives by ensuring faster response to medical emergencies, especially in areas far from major hospitals.
The project aligns with government efforts to strengthen the health sector by expanding outreach services, reducing travel costs for patients, and ensuring timely access to quality medical care for all citizens.
Overall, the launch is seen as a major step forward in improving healthcare accessibility and bringing specialist services closer to communities across the country.
