DAR ES SALAAM: More medical students have continued to benefit from the Samia Health Specialisation Scholarship Programme, with 544 candidates selected for 2024/25 financial year.
The number of successful candidates is equivalent to 71 per cent of the 771 eligible applicants.
According to Health Minister Jenister Mhagama the ministry had received 948 funding applications countrywide for the 2024/25 financial year for healthcare professionals.
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Speaking at a press briefing yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Minister Mhagama said, the selected candidates include 338 males (62per cent) and 206 females (38per cent).
A significant portion of the recipients, 517 professionals (95per cent), will pursue their studies in institutions within the country, while 27 (5 per cent) will study abroad.
The government’s investment in healthcare training has grown considerably, with a 28per cent increase in funding compared to previous years.
A total of 14bn/- has been allocated for this fiscal year, up from 10.95bn/- in the previous financial year.
“The government has so far invested 30.95bn/- to develop highly specialised experts in the health sector.” Minister added.
The scholarship programme prioritises critical areas within the healthcare sector, including neonatology, mental health, noncommunicable diseases (such as cardiology and neurosurgery), rehabilitation and pathology, among others.
The focus also includes addressing regional disparities by targeting regions with a shortage of specialists.
The Samia Health Specialisation Scholarship Programme is part of a broader government initiative to expand the country’s healthcare expertise, reduce referrals abroad and promote medical tourism by enhancing the quality of local health services.
This five-year plan, which runs from 2020 to 2025, aims to train at least 300 specialists annually.
Ms Mhagama stressed the importance of this initiative in improving healthcare outcomes and reducing the burden on Tanzanians seeking specialised medical care abroad.
She also highlighted the role of the Health Sector Strategic Plan V (HSSP V) in guiding these efforts, aligning with the government’s commitment to leaving no one behind in Tanzania’s development journey.
Healthcare professionals selected for the scholarship are required to complete the necessary contract forms by November 1, 2024, as a condition for receiving funding.
The scholarships will cover tuition fees, research stipends and for those studying abroad, additional costs such as travel and living expenses.