Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s healthcare sector is undergoing a transformation, addressing a long-standing challenge of limited access to skilled healthcare professionals. 

For a long time the country has struggled with a shortage of trained medical personnel, affecting the efficiency of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

These issues have profound implications for public health, particularly in rural areas where access to medical facilities remains a significant barrier, despite the efforts that have been made to improve healthcare accessibility, systemic gaps continue to hinder the country’s progress toward achieving universal health coverage.

Tanzania ranks 151st out of 202 countries in life expectancy, with an average lifespan of just 68 years, according to the World Bank statistics.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of 4.55 health workers per 1,000 people, but Tanzania falls significantly short of this benchmark. 

This workforce deficit not only strains existing medical personnel but also affects the efficiency of service delivery, resulting in prolonged wait times and delayed diagnoses.

Financial constraints further compound these issues. While Tanzania has made strides toward universal healthcare, out-of-pocket expenses remain a substantial barrier for many citizens. 

With low insurance coverage, many patients are unable to access essential medical treatments, underscoring the urgent need for more robust health financing mechanisms.

One of the most viable solutions to Tanzania’s healthcare challenges lies in capacity building and technological advancement., Siemens Healthineers has implemented training initiatives aimed at equipping healthcare professionals with essential skills to optimize the use of modern medical technologies. 

These programs seek to alleviate the burden on healthcare workers by enabling them to leverage advanced diagnostic tools effectively.

A key initiative in this regard is Siemens Healthineers’ collaboration with the Tanzanian Ministry of Health and Pacific Diagnostics. 

Over the past two years, more than 100 healthcare professionals including radiographers and biomedical engineers have undergone specialized training at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam. 

A linear accelerator (LINAC) machine, commonly used for radiation therapy in cancer treatment. Photo l Icon Group

This program provides hands-on experience with advanced imaging equipment, enhancing diagnostic capabilities across hospitals.

Dr. Rachel Mhaville, Director of Surgical Services at MNH, emphasizes the significance of such initiatives: “Being trained and certified by internationally reputed medical technology partners is a crucial step towards a more sustainable healthcare system in Tanzania.”

The investment in healthcare workforce training has already demonstrated tangible benefits. At MNH, radiographers can now perform up to 20 different examinations per day, significantly reducing waiting times for critical diagnoses. Enhanced proficiency in imaging techniques has led to improved diagnostic accuracy, enabling more effective treatment planning.

Additionally, the training extends to biomedical engineers, ensuring that hospital equipment remains functional and well-maintained. 

This approach addresses a common issue in resource-limited settings, where malfunctioning medical equipment often leads to costly service disruptions. By prioritizing sustainable maintenance practices, these programs contribute to the long-term efficiency of healthcare facilities.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Tanzania currently has only one registered radiologist per 500,000 people, far below the global standard of one radiologist per 50,000 individuals. 

This stark disparity underscores the continued need for investment in specialized medical training and the expansion of local expertise.

While Siemens Healthineers’ initiatives provide a promising model, achieving lasting impact will require sustained collaboration between public and private sectors.

 Strengthening health financing mechanisms such as expanding the National Health Insurance Fund will be critical in ensuring that quality healthcare services remain accessible to all Tanzanians, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Prashant Gokarn, Managing Director at Pacific Diagnostics, highlights the importance of long-term commitment: “With these training programs, Siemens Healthineers and Pacific Diagnostics are helping hospital staff upgrade to international standards, but sustained investment is essential for lasting change.”

Ultimately, Tanzania’s healthcare transformation depends on a multifaceted approach that integrates policy reforms, financial investment, and capacity-building initiatives. 

Partnerships between global healthcare companies and local institutions provide a valuable framework for progress, but the nation must continue to prioritize systemic reforms to build a resilient and equitable healthcare system for future generations.

By investing in skills development and modern medical technology, healthcare professionals in Tanzania and other African countries are now better equipped to provide high-quality medical services