Dar es Salaam: Tanzania has announced plans to construct a new specialised and super-specialised national hospital at a cost of Sh1.2 trillion, marking one of the largest healthcare infrastructure investments in the country’s history.
The project aims to expand access to advanced medical services, including organ transplants, cancer treatment, cardiac care, neurology, and kidney disease management, while also positioning Tanzania as a regional hub for medical tourism.
The proposed facility is expected to ease pressure on the existing Muhimbili National Hospital, which continues to serve as the country’s main referral centre despite facing challenges related to ageing infrastructure, scattered buildings and limited capacity to support modern technologies.
Presenting the 2026/2027 health budget in Parliament, Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of service delivery challenges, adding that the new hospital would meet international standards and serve both local and foreign patients.
Lawmakers across political lines welcomed the initiative, describing it as a long-overdue investment, though some called for greater transparency in the use of funds. They emphasised the need for a detailed financial breakdown to ensure accountability in what is seen as a major national undertaking.
The project, expected to be implemented over five years, will be financed through a mix of concessional loans and government contributions. Authorities say it will reduce overseas medical referrals, improve healthcare efficiency, and contribute to foreign exchange earnings by attracting patients from across the region.