Tanzania sees economic gains in medical tourism

DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government continues to implement strategic measures to promote medical tourism as part of efforts to increase the health sector’s contribution to the national economy.

This was stated today, April 8, 2026, by Deputy Minister for Health, Florence Samizi, while responding to a question from Special Seats Member of Parliament, Catherine Canute Joachim, during the 13th Parliament, Third Meeting, Fourth Sitting in Dodoma.

Responding on behalf of the Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, Dr Samizi noted that under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the government has continued to invest in improving hospital infrastructure, including the construction of new facilities and rehabilitation of existing ones to enhance service delivery capacity.

She further stated that the government is expanding access to advanced medical equipment such as PET/CT scans, Angio Suite, Cathlab, and CT scan technologies, alongside strengthening professional training for healthcare workers to ensure services meet international standards.

ALSO READ: ORCI to secure international accreditation to boost medical tourism

“The government is also introducing new super-specialized services and ensuring hospitals obtain international accreditation, while promoting them in global markets to attract foreign patients,” said Dr Samizi.

According to the data presented, between July 2025 and February 2026, a total of 3,018 international patients received specialized medical services across regional, zonal, specialized, and national referral hospitals.

Additionally, the government is investing in human capital through the Samia Health Super-specialization Program, under which 1,483 professionals are being sponsored to pursue specialist and super-specialist training both domestically and abroad, a move aimed at improving service quality and strengthening the capacity of healthcare institutions nationwide.