The Tanzanian government has announced a three-year plan to stop sending cancer patients abroad for treatment by strengthening local healthcare services.
Speaking on the plan, the Minister for Health, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, said the government is investing heavily in modern cancer treatment facilities, equipment, and specialist training. The goal is to ensure that patients can receive quality cancer care within Tanzania instead of travelling overseas, which is often costly and stressful for families.
Currently, many Tanzanians are referred to foreign hospitals for advanced cancer treatment due to limited capacity in local health facilities. This has placed a heavy financial burden on both patients and the government. By improving local hospitals, the government hopes to reduce these costs and improve access to timely treatment.
The plan includes expanding cancer centres, purchasing advanced diagnostic and treatment machines, and training more oncologists, radiologists, and specialised nurses. The government is also working to improve early cancer detection through screening programs across the country.
Mr Mchengerwa said the initiative is part of broader health sector reforms aimed at improving healthcare quality and self-reliance. He added that partnerships with private hospitals and international health institutions will play a key role in achieving the target.
Health experts have welcomed the move, saying it will not only save money but also allow patients to receive care closer to their families and support systems.
If successfully implemented, the plan is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s healthcare system and significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes by 2029.
