Health ministry nears completion of five-year plan

DODOMA: THE Ministry of Health is finalising a five-year strategic plan that will guide the delivery and improvement of health services across Tanzania from 2026/27 to 2030/31.

The latest stage of the process involved a stakeholder working session held on Monday this week, in Mtumba Dodoma, where participants reviewed proposed priorities and strategies for the plan.

The consultations brought together representatives from key government institutions, including the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, the Vice President’s Office responsible for Union Affairs and Environment, and the President’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG).

Representatives from the ministries responsible for Education, Science and Technology, and Information, Culture, Arts and Sports also took part, alongside the e-Government Authority, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Muhimbili National Hospital, Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), regional referral hospitals and various Ministry of Health departments and units.

The broad consultation is intended to ensure that the proposed plan reflects the priorities of institutions involved in delivering and supporting health services.

For his part, the ministry’s Acting Assistant Director for Planning and Budget, Mintanga Mohamed Milulu, said the plan had been prepared in accordance with government guidelines and with input from both internal and external stakeholders.

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He noted that stakeholder participation was essential to ensuring that the strategies contained in the plan are practical, measurable and responsive to the country’s health needs before the document is submitted to ministry management for approval.

“We have prepared this strategic plan to be implemented over the next five years. The guidelines require the participation of both internal and external stakeholders. After incorporating all the contributions, we will submit it to the Ministry’s management for approval and implementation,” Mintanga said.

Participants proposed measures to improving the delivery of health services, increasing efficiency in implementing sector priorities and ensuring patients receive quality care without unnecessary delays.

The recommendations also covered broader public health interventions aimed at improving the wellbeing and productivity of communities, recognising the link between a healthy population and economic development.

It was noted that the ministry is expected to incorporate the recommendations and complete the plan before submitting it for management approval.

Once approved, the Health Sector Strategic Plan 2026/27–2030/31 will provide a framework for directing investment and resources towards improving access to safe, equitable and quality health services.

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