By Business Insider Reporter
The Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) is set to conduct a four-day specialist and super specialist medical outreach camp in Zanzibar next month, bringing advanced tertiary healthcare services closer to residents as part of national efforts to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and reduce costly referrals to Mainland Tanzania.
The initiative also underscores the importance of strengthened public-private sector collaboration in mobilising resources, expanding equitable access to specialised care, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the health system.
The medical camp is scheduled to run from February 3 to 6, 2026, at the Amani Complex grounds in Unguja, and will involve specialist and super-specialist doctors from Muhimbili working alongside healthcare professionals from Zanzibar.
The initiative forms part of ongoing government efforts to decentralise specialist healthcare services and respond to the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension.
Speaking ahead of the camp, Dr. Msafiri Marijani, Director of Medical Services at the Zanzibar Ministry of Health, said early screening remains critical in combating non-communicable diseases, which continue to pose a significant public health challenge.
“Early diagnosis allows these conditions to be detected and managed before they become life-threatening,” he said, urging residents to take advantage of the free screening services.
On his part, Dr. Robert Moshiro, Head of the Research and Training Department at MNH, said the outreach reflects a long-term partnership between Muhimbili and Zanzibar aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, professional collaboration, and capacity building.
He noted that patients found to have serious medical conditions during the camp will be referred to appropriate specialized institutions, including the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) for advanced heart care.
Dr. Moshiro seized the occasion to urge well-wishers, corporate entities, and development partners to extend their support for such initiatives nationwide, emphasizing the transformative impact they can have across Tanzania.
During the outreach, residents will have access to comprehensive screening, treatment, and health education services covering a wide spectrum of conditions – from maternal and reproductive health, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, to heart and kidney diseases, dental and skin conditions, eye problems, and ear, nose, and throat ailments, as well as emergency care.
By bringing these services directly to communities, the initiative not only saves ordinary Tanzanians significant out-of-pocket expenses on healthcare but also ensures timely diagnosis and treatment, reinforcing the delivery of essential public health services and improving overall health outcomes nationwide. The services will be offered daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to specialist healthcare services regardless of geographical location.
