Minister for Health Mohamed Mchengerwa has reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening collaboration with faith-based institutions in the delivery of healthcare services, describing the partnership as a long-standing national policy rooted in the vision of Tanzania's founding President, Julius Nyerere.
Speaking at Huruma Hospital in Rombo District on July 24 during the inauguration of a new emergency services building, Mchengerwa said the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan remains committed to working closely with religious institutions to improve access to quality healthcare across the country.
The minister said he was impressed by the progress being made to upgrade Huruma Hospital into a regional referral facility, noting that the ongoing investments demonstrate a strong commitment to expanding specialized healthcare services for residents.
He revealed that before embarking on the visit, President Samia had directed the Ministry of Health to continue deepening its partnership with faith-based organizations, emphasizing that such collaboration has remained a key pillar of Tanzania's health sector since independence.
Mchengerwa said the government is implementing a strategy to bring healthcare services closer to communities, reducing the distance patients travel to access treatment and ensuring that quality medical care is available near where people live.
Responding to requests presented by Huruma Hospital leaders, the minister announced that Rombo has been prioritized to receive a new ambulance, citing the commitment and unity demonstrated by local leaders and residents.
"There are many areas facing greater need, but because of the unity and commitment I have witnessed here today, Rombo will be among the first to receive the ambulance," he said.
On the proposal to elevate Huruma Hospital to regional referral status, Mchengerwa said the government supports the initiative and urged hospital management, local authorities and development partners to complete the remaining construction works needed to meet the required standards.
He also called for continued collaboration in improving healthcare infrastructure.
In support of the hospital's ongoing expansion, the minister personally donated TZS 1 million towards the construction project and encouraged other stakeholders to contribute to improving health services, saying cooperation between the government, faith-based organizations and the private sector remains essential to strengthening the country's healthcare system.
During his visit to Rombo, Mchengerwa also expressed satisfaction with the progress of several development projects worth more than TZS 6 billion.
The projects include the Holili Tanzania-Kenya One-Stop Border Post, the construction of a Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) college, a Health Sciences College, Rombo District Hospital and infrastructure development at Kibaoni Primary School.
He urged local leaders and residents to safeguard and maintain the public infrastructure once completed to ensure it delivers long-term benefits to the community.
