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The government is expanding emergency medical services across the country in a move aimed at ensuring patients receive timely treatment and improving their chances of survival.
The move comes as the Ministry of Health steps up efforts to strengthen the country’s emergency response system, including increasing the number of emergency centres, ambulances and trained personnel.
Speaking on August 25, 2026, during the handover of an ambulance in Kibaha District, Pwani Region, the Ministry of Health’s Director of Emergency and Disaster Services, Dr Erasto Sylvanus, said emergency care was a key government priority because delays in treatment can have serious consequences for patients.
He said the government had increased the number of emergency service centres from seven in 2021 to 105, expanding access to urgent medical care in different parts of the country.
“Emergency services are important because they help save lives by ensuring patients receive care as quickly as possible,” Dr Sylvanus said.
Pwani Region currently has six emergency service centres, providing residents with greater access to services when accidents, sudden illnesses and other medical emergencies occur.
Dr Sylvanus said an effective emergency response requires coordination from the moment an incident is reported through the deployment of emergency teams, provision of first aid and transportation of patients to health facilities capable of providing the required treatment.
He said reducing delays at any stage of the process was essential to preventing avoidable deaths and complications.
The official also urged health workers to treat patients with compassion, urgency and professionalism, emphasising that every patient deserves timely attention according to their medical needs.
He said the Ministry would continue working with stakeholders and local government leaders to expand emergency centres, increase the availability of ambulances and strengthen the capacity of health professionals providing emergency care.
The expansion of emergency services is expected to particularly benefit communities where access to rapid medical transportation and specialised care has previously been limited.
For citizens, the government’s investment means a stronger emergency response system, with the potential to get patients to the right health facility faster when every minute can make a difference.
