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Stakeholders push for PPP in health sector

STAKEHOLDERS in the health sector have stressed on the need for increased collaboration between private and public sectors (PPP) to strengthen the provision of affordable and reliable healthcare services in the country.

DAR ES SALAAM: STAKEHOLDERS in the health sector have stressed on the need for increased collaboration between private and public sectors (PPP) to strengthen the provision of affordable and reliable healthcare services in the country.

The call to action was made by Dr John Rwegasha, Director of Medical Services at Muhimbili National Hospital, during the ongoing 25th Africa 2024 Medical Expo in Dar es Salaam.

The three-day expo, which concludes tomorrow, is expected to attract numerous visitors, including ambassadors from over 20 countries, including Cuba, Pakistan and Ethiopia.

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Approximately 100 companies are showcasing various latest innovative technologies and affordable healthcare products.

“We recognise the importance of these innovations, particularly in advancing healthcare through private-public partnerships. By collaborating effectively, we can significantly improve service delivery, “said Dr Rwegasha.

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He added: “The health sector faces crossborder disease patterns and resource challenges. We need medical interventions, equipment and medications to address these healthcare needs.” Dr Rwegasha who is also the Director of Expo Group in Tanzania, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing affordable healthcare services. He highlighted that the private-public partnership model will help reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for medical care.

“If we keep this in mind, we can make diverse healthcare services accessible to many Tanzanians,” he noted.

He further emphasised that bringing together the latest scientific innovations in healthcare, including medical technologies and commodities, is essential for achieving global universal health coverage and creating a disease-free society.

Dr Rwegasha urged healthcare providers and stakeholders to actively participate, collaborate with exhibitors, exchange ideas and explore ways to introduce innovative equipment that can enhance the affordability of healthcare services in the country.

Furthermore, he assured the health stakeholders and exhibitors to come and invest in Tanzania medical sector, assuring them that the business environment is conducive and that the country has a good financing system.

The East Africa Regional Director of the Expo Group, Mr Duncan Njage noted that this year’s expo is timely, as among other things, it provides medical experts and stakeholders with opportunities to learn about new technologies and innovations.

He encouraged Tanzanians to seize the opportunities for knowledge acquisition and idea sharing to transform the health sector in Tanzania and across Africa.