How Zanzibar is tackling shortage of medical specialists amid growing demand

The planned investments are aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure, acquiring modern medical equipment, and funding the training of health professionals in specialist and super-specialist fields.

Zanzibar’s Health Minister, Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, shared the government’s plans on Friday, April 11, 2025, during an exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, as he rallied stakeholders’ support for the archipelago’s medical tourism agenda.

Mr Mazrui was speaking in the lead-up to Zanzibar Health Week, scheduled to run from May 4 to May 10 this year.

He said an average of 200 patients are referred monthly to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), and Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), placing a heavy financial and logistical burden on the Isles.

“We are facing a serious shortage of specialists and super-specialists. Currently, we have only 134 specialists and around seven or eight super-specialists, which is not enough to meet the needs of our fast-growing population,” said Mr Mazrui.

He added that the government has already sent over 700 doctors for advanced training, with many pursuing specialisation and super-specialisation, citing that the Isles currently have fewer than four heart specialists.

These efforts, the minister explained, are being complemented by infrastructure upgrades and the installation of modern medical equipment.

He said that once the initiatives are fully rolled out and specialists from the Mainland begin collaborating with local doctors, the quality of services and skills transfer will improve significantly.

Mr Mazrui noted that the upcoming Health Week, which will bring together stakeholders from Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania, will be instrumental in tackling the challenges facing the sector while also strengthening healthcare delivery, encouraging innovation, and promoting medical tourism on the Isles.

He added that the event aligns with national development plans, including the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 and the Zanzibar Health Sector Strategic Plan III.

He further noted that the week seeks to achieve five key objectives, among them enhancing public health awareness through educational campaigns, medical camps, and complimentary disease screening services, encouraging people to take preventive measures to protect their health.

According to Mr Mazrui, the event also seeks to promote Zanzibar as a destination for medical and wellness tourism, which could contribute to national income and open employment opportunities for young people.

“It will foster innovation and the adoption of technology in healthcare. The seven-day forum will provide stakeholders with a platform to explore telemedicine, digital health systems, and other modern healthcare delivery models,” he said.

The initiative, he added, is also expected to attract public-private partnerships (PPP), strengthen hospital infrastructure, and improve access to up-to-date medical equipment.

The initiative aims to improve working conditions for health workers by recognising the challenges they face, with this year’s event placing special emphasis on mental health and the overall well-being of medical professionals.

Mr Mazrui confirmed that Zanzibar Health Week 2025 will be held in both Unguja and Pemba, commencing with two weeks of activities in Pemba, including health walks, a two-day clinic, and a health investment forum.

In Unguja, the activities will be held over seven days from May 4 to May 10, with each day featuring a unique theme and sessions aimed at improving the health sector in the Isles.

Other planned activities include exhibitions of medical products and services, free disease screening services at Nyamanzi grounds in Unguja, awareness drives, and public health education campaigns leading up to the grand finale.

Zanzibar’s Health Ministry Permanent Secretary, Dr Mngereza Mzee Miraji, said the event demonstrates the shared commitment of both the Union and Zanzibar governments to strengthening the health sector.

“This event aims to raise awareness, engage educational institutions, and foster collaboration around five core goals, including preventive education and screenings, promoting medical tourism, and creating income opportunities for youth,” said Dr Miraji.

He added that the week will also showcase innovations and digital solutions in healthcare, with a focus on expanding the use of modern technology in medical services.

Dar es Salaam City Executive Director, Mr Elihuruma Mabelya, said the initiative presents a clear roadmap for addressing the healthcare challenges and improving service delivery across both sides of the Union.