MWE Correspondent
The government’s decision to order an investigation into service delivery problems at Temeke Regional Referral Hospital has sparked renewed public debate over the condition of Tanzania’s public healthcare system, with many questioning whether the issues exposed are isolated incidents or signs of deeper structural weaknesses.
The probe follows a surge of complaints from patients and members of the public, most of them shared on social media platforms, describing what they called poor and sometimes degrading services at the hospital. Among the most alarming allegations were claims that key diagnostic equipment, including X-ray machines, had been deliberately switched off, forcing patients to seek services from private facilities at their own expense. These claims quickly attracted national attention and intensified pressure on authorities to act.
In response, the Ministry of Health moved to contain the situation, saying it would not tolerate misconduct or practices that undermine public trust in state-run health facilities. In a statement released on December 26, 2025, Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa directed the ministry’s Permanent Secretary to conduct a thorough investigation into operations at Temeke Hospital and take appropriate action against any individuals found to have violated the law or public service regulations.
According to the statement, preliminary covert follow-ups revealed worrying practices within the hospital. These included alleged cases of corruption involving some staff members, questionable conduct by security guards, and irregular dealings by individuals who interact directly with patients. The findings also pointed to incidents in which patients were verbally abused or humiliated, conduct described by officials as unethical and completely at odds with the standards expected of health professionals.
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While many Tanzanians have welcomed the government’s swift response, health sector stakeholders say the complaints emerging from Temeke reflect broader challenges affecting public hospitals across the country. They argue that problems such as understaffing, equipment shortages, weak supervision and poor accountability systems have long strained service delivery, particularly in busy urban referral hospitals.
Experts note that facilities like Temeke are critical pillars of the health system, serving thousands of patients daily and handling complex referrals from lower-level centres. When services break down at such institutions, the consequences are severe, especially for low-income patients who depend almost entirely on public healthcare and cannot afford private alternatives.
The situation has also reignited discussion about patient rights and governance in the public health sector. Civil society groups are urging authorities to go beyond disciplinary action and address systemic gaps by strengthening oversight, improving working conditions for health workers and creating safer, more transparent channels for patients to report abuse or neglect.
For many members of the public, the controversy goes beyond one hospital. It raises fundamental questions about dignity, ethics and accountability in public healthcare. Patients expect public hospitals to be places of care and compassion, not fear or exploitation. Allegations of corruption and mistreatment, they argue, discourage people from seeking timely medical attention and ultimately undermine national health outcomes.
As investigations at Temeke continue, observers say the outcome could set an important precedent. If handled transparently and followed by meaningful reforms, the case may help restore confidence in public hospitals and signal a stronger commitment to protecting patients’ rights. Many see it as a crucial opportunity for the government to confront long-standing weaknesses and reaffirm that quality healthcare is a public service, not a privilege.
