Zanzibar Transforms Healthcare: Specialist Doctors Increase by 58% and New Medical Facilities Planned
Zanzibar’s healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with the number of specialist doctors rising from 75 in 2020 to 119 in 2025, marking a 58% increase in specialized medical professionals.
The recent developments aim to revolutionize healthcare access across the archipelago. Specialized medical services, including kidney dialysis and orthopaedic care, are now locally available, eliminating the previous need for patients to travel to mainland Tanzania. This strategic improvement reduces both patient costs and treatment time.
Key healthcare infrastructure enhancements include:
– Installation of dialysis machines and orthopaedic treatment equipment at Lumumba Hospital
– Planned construction of two regional hospitals in Mahonda (Unguja) and Wete (Pemba)
– Development of a dedicated maternity and child health facility
– Transformation of Mnazi Mmoja Hospital into a referral facility
– Construction of a major specialist referral hospital targeting the broader East African region
These initiatives are designed to decongest existing healthcare facilities and significantly improve medical service delivery across Zanzibar.
Complementing the healthcare advancements, the government is also focusing on skills development. Plans include establishing vocational training centers in every district, with three workshops per district to support youth self-employment and provide quality technical education.
The comprehensive approach demonstrates a commitment to enhancing both healthcare infrastructure and educational opportunities, positioning Zanzibar for substantial social and economic development.
