Tanzania Increases its Efforts to Promote Medical Tourism While Boosting the Health Sector
Posted on : Monday , 10th November 2025
According to Tanzanian Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango, the government is committed to boosting medical tourism as part of larger initiatives to improve the health sector and boost the country's economy.
On September 3, Dr. Mpango gave the speech at the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma's foundation stone laying event for the building of a cancer training and treatment center and the opening of a kidney transplant center.
According to him, the number of patients traveling to Tanzania for treatment increased from 5,700 in 2021 to 12,180 in 2025, with medical tourism already contributing an estimated Sh166.5 billion to the GDP.
Citing the government's significant investment in infrastructure, cutting-edge medical technology and specialized personnel, the Vice President praised the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital for its expanding role in medical tourism.
According to him, "the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital is a clear example of how improved infrastructure, cutting-edge medical equipment and highly trained specialists can transform Tanzania into a hub for medical tourism."
According to him, such advancements would make it possible to expand services, which might draw in more patients from both inside and outside the area.
Dr. Mpango asked the hospital to think about collaborating with the business sector or the Dodoma City Council to build a special facility that would provide lodging and associated services for patients and their families who are traveling from nearby nations or far-off areas.
Additionally, he urged the Ministry of Health, physicians and healthcare professionals to increase public education about illness prevention in schools, universities, places of worship, non-governmental organizations and neighbourhood associations.
He emphasized the use of digital platforms and technology for communication and information to increase accessibility and reduce the price of treatment.
In order to promote continuity of care, the Vice President further directed the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the e-Government Authority, to make sure that hospital information systems at national and specialized regional hospitals are linked.
"A clear framework for training physicians to the greatest levels of specialization should be established by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance. In order to improve local skills and share knowledge, we also need to think about forming alliances with nations like South Korea and Japan," he stated.
In order to increase local capacity and share knowledge, he advised the Ministry of Health to look into collaborations with nations like South Korea and Japan.
Dr. Mpango emphasized the importance of thorough training, in which physicians get instruction alongside auxiliary specialists such as radiologists, haematologists, laboratory technologists, nurses and nutritionists.
He urged medical professionals to respect moral principles, put forth a lot of effort and give patient-centred treatment.
According to Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, improvements at the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and other health sector reforms have made it possible for patients from neighbouring countries to receive treatment in Tanzania.
In keeping with its electoral platform, he pointed out, the administration has enhanced health services from dispensaries to referral hospitals.
In partnership with the University of Dodoma, the government initiated a strategic project at the event to create the East African Community Center of Excellence for Bone Marrow Transplantation and Haematology at the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital.
After it is finished, the center will offer highly specialized services in bone marrow transplantation and associated sectors that are not currently offered in East Africa.
