Doctors have been urged to intensify public education on disease prevention as Tanzania seeks to reduce the growing burden of illnesses and the cost of healthcare on citizens.
Speaking at the Medical Association Conference in Dar es Salaam on June 17, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, said preventive healthcare must remain at the centre of efforts to build a healthier nation and a sustainable healthcare system.
The conference, held under the theme “Tanzania Vision 2050: The Healthcare We Want,” brought together medical professionals and health stakeholders to discuss the future of healthcare delivery in the country.
Dr. Shekalaghe said while discussions on the long-term development of the health sector are important, greater attention should be directed towards equipping citizens with knowledge and tools to prevent diseases before they require treatment.
He noted that preventable illnesses, including non-communicable diseases, continue to place pressure on health facilities and public resources, making prevention a critical component of healthcare planning.
“Greater investment in preventive health education will help reduce patient congestion in health facilities, lower treatment costs and contribute to building a healthier society. Citizens should be encouraged to protect themselves against diseases instead of waiting to seek treatment after falling ill,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also called on doctors to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and service quality, in line with the principles of the medical profession and the laws governing healthcare practice.
He stressed that the future of medicine will increasingly depend on the effective use of data, research and technology, highlighting Artificial Intelligence (AI) as one of the innovations with the potential to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Shekalaghe further pointed to ongoing government investments in the health sector under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, citing the construction and upgrading of healthcare infrastructure, procurement of modern medical equipment and expansion of the health workforce as significant milestones.
He urged healthcare workers to embrace technological advancements and continuously improve their skills to ensure Tanzanians receive safe, efficient and high-quality healthcare services.
The discussions at the conference reflected a growing consensus among health experts that preventive healthcare, supported by innovation and professional excellence, will be essential in shaping the healthcare system Tanzania envisions by 2050.
