Mwinyi unveils plan to boost health staffing
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President, Hussein Mwinyi, has announced plans to issue new employment permits in the upcoming financial year to address the acute shortage of nurses and other health professionals.
The move is part of government efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system by improving staffing levels and service delivery in the health sector.
Dr Mwinyi said the move is aimed at addressing staffing gaps across all levels of healthcare, noting that the current shortage has placed heavy pressure on existing personnel.
He made the remarks here on Tuesday while opening the first Scientific Nursing Conference held as part of International Nurses Day celebrations at the Verde Hotel in the Urban West Region.
The President acknowledged that in Zanzibar, one nurse often serves far more patients than the international benchmark of one nurse per 300 patients, underscoring the urgency of the planned recruitment.
“We recognise that investing in nurses is investing in the nation’s health. We will continue to strengthen infrastructure and create a better working environment for health workers,” he said.
Dr Mwinyi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding investment in the health sector, including improving nursing education, upgrading working conditions and increasing access to modern medical equipment to match global standards.
He also highlighted ongoing major projects such as the renovation and construction of the new Mnazimmoja Hospital and the Binguni Cancer Hospital, saying they will be complemented by the installation of modern equipment to meet the demands of advanced healthcare.
The President commended nurses for significant professional progress over the past 62 years since the Zanzibar Revolution, noting the growth from diploma-level training to doctoral qualifications.
He called on development partners to work closely with the government in strengthening human resource capacity through training, research and innovation.
“This cooperation is essential for achieving sustainable development goals, particularly ensuring good health for all,” he added.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future – Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” Dr Mwinyi said it aligns with Zanzibar’s Development Vision 2050, which prioritises quality healthcare and human resource development.
He urged nurses to remain resilient despite the shortage and to continue delivering services with professionalism, compassion and without discrimination.
“A good nurse serves with love, care and integrity. This helps recovery and builds trust among patients, families and the community,” he said.
Dr Mwinyi described the conference as a key platform for exchanging experience, advancing research and identifying solutions to challenges facing nurses and midwives, expressing hope it will generate practical recommendations to strengthen the profession.
Acting Minister for Health, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, said the ministry will continue implementing government directives to ensure the delivery of quality and sustainable healthcare services.
“We will keep building the capacity of our nurses through research and ensure they adopt technology in line with scientific advancements,” she said.
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Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Mgereza Mzee Miraji, said the government is taking concrete steps to improve the sector, including investing in nursing institutions, creating new employment opportunities, strengthening policies and promoting the use of modern technology.
Chairperson of the Zanzibar Nursing and Midwifery Council, Sharifa Awadhi Salmini, described nurses as the backbone of the healthcare system, playing a vital role in saving lives through adherence to professional standards.
