Tanzania records significant surge in medical tourism

Dodoma. Tanzania is making strategic strides to position the nation as a premier destination for medical tourism within the region.

Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi, told Parliament here on April 8, 2026 that the government is actively enhancing the health sector's contribution to the national economy through targeted investments.

This initiative aligns with a broader vision to modernise healthcare infrastructure and provide international-standard services to foreign nationals.

Recent data reflects a promising upward trend in the number of international patients seeking specialised care.

Between July 2025 and February 2026, Tanzanian hospitals treated a total of 3,018 foreign patients.

These individuals received highly specialised medical services across various regional, zonal, and national referral hospitals.

This influx marks a notable milestone in the country’s efforts to compete with established medical hubs.

To sustain this growth, the government has focused heavily on acquiring cutting-edge technology.

Key medical facilities have been equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment tools such as PET/CT scans, Angio Suites, and Cathlabs.

These upgrades allow local hospitals to perform complex procedures that previously required patients to travel abroad.

Furthermore, the state is pursuing international accreditation for its leading hospitals to build global trust in Tanzanian healthcare.

Human capital development remains a cornerstone of this medical expansion.

Under the Samia Health Super-specialisation Programme, the government is currently funding the training of 1,483 medical experts.

These professionals are pursuing specialisations and super-specialisations both domestically and at prestigious institutions overseas.

This workforce strategy ensures that the newly installed technology is operated by highly skilled clinicians.

The push for medical tourism is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the flight of foreign exchange for overseas treatment.

By improving domestic capacity, Tanzania is not only retaining its own citizens but also attracting patients from neighbouring countries.

The government intends to continue marketing these specialised services in international markets to further bolster the national treasury and improve health outcomes.