MWE Correspondent
The government of Tanzania has announced a sweeping crackdown on unregistered medical practitioners and traditional healers, in a move aimed at protecting public health and strengthening regulation of a rapidly expanding sector.
Minister for Health Mohamed Mchengerwa issued the directive on March 25, 2026, during a visit to the pavilion of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Dodoma. Addressing a gathering of traditional medicine practitioners, the minister emphasized that all individuals providing medical or herbal treatment must be formally registered and recognized by relevant authorities.
“It is not possible for a nation to allow anyone to claim to be a doctor or a traditional healer without being recognised,” Mchengerwa said. “If someone gives medical advice, we must know who they are and whether they are authorised.”
The directive comes amid growing concern over the proliferation of unregulated health services, particularly in urban centers where traditional medicine outlets have expanded significantly. Authorities say the move is intended to reduce deaths and complications linked to the misuse of medicines administered without proper medical guidance.
In recent years, Tanzania has made notable progress in strengthening its formal healthcare system. Advanced services such as cancer treatment, kidney transplants, heart surgery, neurosurgery, bone marrow transplants, and in vitro fertilisation have become increasingly accessible within the country. Despite these gains, the demand for traditional remedies has continued to rise, reflecting deep-rooted cultural practices and affordability factors.
In Dar es Salaam, the commercial hub of the country, entire streets have seen a transformation. Areas such as Kariakoo, once dominated by general retail shops, are now lined with outlets selling herbal products. Similar trends have been reported in Mbagala, Buguruni, and Manzese, where both locally produced and imported traditional medicines are widely available.
Health experts warn that while traditional medicine plays an important role in many communities, lack of regulation poses serious risks. Some products are sold without proper dosage guidelines, clinical testing, or clear information on side effects. In certain cases, patients delay seeking professional medical care, relying instead on unverified treatments that can worsen their condition.
“The challenge is not traditional medicine itself, but the absence of oversight,” said a public health specialist based in Dodoma. “There are many legitimate practitioners, but without proper registration, it becomes difficult to distinguish between qualified providers and those who may put lives at risk.”
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Historically, traditional medicine has been an integral part of healthcare across Africa, often serving as the first point of contact for patients, particularly in rural areas. Governments, including Tanzania’s, have attempted to integrate traditional practices into formal health systems while ensuring safety and accountability. However, rapid urbanization and commercialisation have complicated these efforts.
The government’s latest directive is expected to lead to increased inspections, enforcement measures, and possible closures of unregistered outlets. Authorities are also likely to intensify public awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to seek treatment from certified professionals.
For practitioners, the new policy signals a shift toward stricter compliance requirements, including licensing, training, and adherence to established standards. Officials say the goal is not to eliminate traditional medicine, but to regulate it in a way that protects patients while preserving its cultural significance.
As Tanzania moves to tighten oversight of its health sector, the crackdown reflects a broader effort to balance tradition with modern medical standards. The success of the initiative will depend on effective enforcement, cooperation from practitioners, and public trust in the system designed to safeguard their health.
