By Business Insider Reporter
for thee days from Monday, April 20, Dodoma will become the epicentre of Tanzania’s private healthcare transformation as it hosts the three-day Private Health Sector Stakeholders Conference (PHSC) 2026, a high-level gathering aimed at accelerating quality, safety and excellence in service delivery.
The conference, organised under the auspices of the Private Hospitals Advisory Board (PHAB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Tanzania Health Summit, will run from April 20 to 22 at the Government City Complex in Mtumba.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Quality & Excellence in Private Health Service Delivery Towards Universal Health Coverage in Tanzania,” the conference brings together policymakers, regulators, hospital owners, insurers, and innovators to align strategies for a more resilient and trusted healthcare system.
The three-day programme is structured to move from policy to practice, with a strong emphasis on quality assurance, innovation, and partnerships.
According to the official timetable, the opening day will feature an official ceremony officiated by senior government leaders, alongside keynote remarks from industry experts and recognition of facilities that have demonstrated improvements in service quality.
Dr. Egina Makwabe, Managing Director of EM Hospital and Chairman of Association of Private Health Facilities in Tanzania (APHFTA), will deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for the conference with insights on strengthening quality, leadership, and private sector contribution toward Universal Health Coverage in Tanzania.
A key highlight of Day One is a high-level session on certification and accreditation, moderated by Dr. Omary Chillo, the President of Tanzania Health Summit, with technical insights from quality improvement specialist Dr. Peter Risha.
The session will examine how adopting recognised standards can drive measurable improvements in patient care and institutional performance.
Subsequent discussions will tackle the intersection between quality improvement and business sustainability, with case studies drawn from private hospitals across the country.
Topics will range from strengthening oxygen systems and hospital management practices to unlocking opportunities in medical tourism and specialised treatment technologies.
Dr. Asha Mahita, National Medical Tourism Coordinator, will deliver a strategic presentation on “Investing in Quality, Branding and Specialised Services for Growth through the Medical Tourism Market,” highlighting how Tanzanian healthcare providers can position themselves competitively by enhancing service standards, building strong institutional brands, and tapping into high-value specialised care to attract both regional and international patients.
On Day Two, attention shifts to embedding a culture of quality and safety across private healthcare facilities. Experts from government and industry will explore regulatory frameworks, patient safety systems, and the role of health financing in expanding access.
A major panel on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will feature leaders from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and private insurers, focusing on how innovation and inclusive financing can bridge gaps in healthcare access.
Clinical excellence will also take centre stage, with presentations on cardiology diagnostics, digital health solutions, ENT services, and modern dental practices, underscoring the growing sophistication of Tanzania’s private health sector.
The final day will spotlight the future of healthcare, particularly the role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Experts including Dr Eng Deogratias Mzurikwao are expected to outline how data-driven systems can enhance diagnosis, monitoring, and overall quality of care.
Deliberations will culminate in a session on strengthening public-private partnerships, featuring institutions such as the Medical Stores Department and the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority, highlighting coordinated approaches to improving access to medicines and regulatory compliance.
Organisers say the conference comes at a critical moment as Tanzania intensifies efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage, with the private sector playing an increasingly central role in service delivery. Beyond dialogue, PHSC 2026 is expected to catalyse practical collaborations, promote investment in quality improvement systems, and reinforce trust in private healthcare – positioning the sector as a key pillar in delivering accessible, safe, and high-quality health services for all Tanzanians.
