MWE Correspondent
The Tanzanian government has allocated Sh15.7 billion to support underprivileged patients suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), marking a major step toward addressing the growing burden of chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and heart conditions.
Of this amount, Sh6.7 billion has already been released for specialised procedures, including heart surgery, dialysis, and hip replacement, while an additional Sh9 billion has been earmarked through the national budget to expand treatment access across the country.
The initiative is part of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 100-day commitments in her second term, reflecting a strategic effort to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve service delivery, and enhance equitable access to medical care for vulnerable populations. Experts say the plan signals a shift toward prioritising preventive and specialised care for NCDs, which account for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality in Tanzania.
Under the programme, eligible poor households will receive government-funded insurance coverage of Sh150,000, while a dedicated legal fund has been created to finance both specialised and super-specialised treatments. Authorities have also installed dialysis machines in all regional hospitals, expanded cancer services to zonal hospitals, and equipped referral centres with advanced medical technologies such as CT scan and radiotherapy machines. These measures aim to decentralise high-cost services, reduce patient travel burdens, and provide timely care closer to communities.
Medical professionals have welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to reduce preventable deaths and improve health outcomes. “This is a significant investment in public health. However, swift implementation and effective monitoring are essential to ensure the benefits reach those who need them most,” said Dr Asha Kessy, a cardiologist based in Dar es Salaam.
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Despite the programme’s promise, some patients and community members have expressed concern over delays in accessing services and receiving waivers. Citizens emphasise the need for proper information dissemination and transparent allocation to ensure that the programme does not favour certain regions or groups.
Healthcare analysts note that this funding could have wider socio-economic benefits. Improved access to treatment for NCDs not only saves lives but also increases productivity, reduces household healthcare expenditures, and strengthens public confidence in government healthcare interventions. By targeting underserved communities, the programme is expected to help bridge the gap in healthcare inequalities that has persisted for decades.
The government has urged regional and district health offices to maintain rigorous oversight and coordinate with local leaders, civil society organisations, and medical professionals to ensure that funds are used effectively. Authorities emphasise that patient registration, monitoring, and accountability are critical to the long-term success of the initiative.
With NCDs projected to rise globally, Tanzania’s Sh15.7 billion programme positions the country as a regional leader in expanding specialised healthcare services while tackling one of the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century.
