Tanzania has called on nurses and midwives to uphold compassion and professionalism in healthcare delivery, amid growing concerns over the treatment patients receive in some public health facilities.
Speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan during International Nurses Day celebrations in Arusha on Tuesday, Deputy Minister in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, Regina Ndege Qwaray, said caring attitudes and empathy remain central to quality healthcare.
Addressing nurses and midwives gathered at the Arusha International Conference Centre, Qwaray said healthcare workers carry enormous responsibility because patients’ lives largely depend on them.
“After God, human life is in your hands. When we are sick, it is nurses who care for us,” she said.
Her remarks come as complaints continue to emerge from sections of the public over poor treatment in some hospitals, particularly in maternity wards, where patients have at times reported harsh language and unfriendly care.
Qwaray urged nurses to uphold the ethics of their profession by treating patients with kindness, patience and dignity.
“Patients should never regret seeking treatment at healthcare facilities. A smile, encouragement and compassion are also part of healing,” she said.
She acknowledged the pressure nurses face in their daily work but insisted that professionalism and humanity must remain at the centre of healthcare services.
The deputy minister also pledged that the government would review recommendations submitted by nurses during the celebrations to improve their working environment and service delivery.
The event also highlighted Tanzania’s broader efforts to strengthen the health sector under the Sixth Phase Government.
Tanzania National Nurses Association (TANNA) Secretary General Godfrey Chacha said the government has made notable progress through investments in health infrastructure, recruitment of nurses and expansion of maternal and child healthcare services.
“We are witnessing clear commitment from the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan in improving healthcare services and strengthening the nursing profession,” Chacha said.
According to him, nurses in Arusha Region provided outreach medical services during the commemorations, reaching more than 84,000 residents through health screening, counselling and awareness campaigns.
The celebrations also featured an international scientific conference where nurses and other health professionals discussed research findings and ways to improve healthcare delivery in Tanzania.
Chacha said the profession continues to play a critical role in the country’s healthcare system.
“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare because they stay with patients throughout nearly every stage of treatment,” he said.
This year’s International Nurses Day was commemorated under the theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister responsible for Health under the President’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Jaffar Rajabu, said the government remains committed to improving nursing and midwifery services as part of wider healthcare reforms.
The event brought together government officials, health experts, nurses and midwives from across the country to discuss achievements, challenges and the future of the nursing profession in Tanzania.
