Zanzibar commits to quality healthcare services
ZANZIBAR: SECOND Vice-President (2VP) Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has reaffirmed the Zanzibar government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens receive equitable and high-quality healthcare services through skilled medical professionals and modern healthcare equipment.
Speaking at the 14th Health Sector Joint Annual Review Meeting held at the Madinatu Al Bahar Hotel at Mbweni, Zanzibar, Mr Abdulla emphasised the government’s success in improving healthcare delivery.
“These achievements include enhanced disease diagnostics, intensive care services, increased child immunisation rates, improved neonatal care, maternal and child health services, as well as specialised medical procedures such as surgeries and kidney dialysis,” he said.
The Vice President highlighted the government’s efforts in strengthening the production and supply of medical oxygen, improving community health initiatives, and implementing digital systems for managing patient records under the Zanzibar Health Service Fund (ZHSF) and the Zanzibar Health Development Fund.
He noted that digital transformation across all administrative and service levels will enable accurate data collection to support informed decisionmaking.
Despite these advancements, he acknowledged challenges in the health sector, including shortages of qualified specialists and gaps in digital infrastructure that hinder service efficiency and reliable health data management.
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He urged healthcare providers to uphold professional ethics, work diligently and maintain discipline to reduce complaints from the public and improve service delivery.
Additionally, the 2VP said that the government, in collaboration with health stakeholders, will continue its efforts to expand healthcare access by bringing services closer to communities through construction of hospitals and health centres and dispensaries across the country.
Zanzibar’s Minister for Health, Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazrui reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare by improving infrastructure and expanding health services nationwide.
He emphasised ongoing efforts to construct hospitals, health centres, and staff houses to enhance healthcare accessibility and reduce mortality and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
Mr Mazrui also called on health workers to provide quality services to patients and the public in alignment with the government’s mission under the Eighth Phase Administration, which priorities equitable and high-quality healthcare for all citizens.
On behalf of Zanzibar’s Development Partners for Health and Nutrition, Ms Laxmi Bhawawi commended the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar for creating an enabling environment for healthcare stakeholders by investing in hospitals and health centres across all districts and regions.
She emphasised that development partners will continue to support Zanzibar’s initiatives to ensure sustainable healthcare improvements, both in the present and for future generations.
