Healthcare professionals in Arusha have praised the government’s ongoing initiative under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which deploys specialist doctors to regional health facilities.
The programme not only brings advanced medical services closer to the people but also builds capacity among local health workers, saving thousands of lives across the country.
This was evident on May 13, 2025, during a medical outreach programme held across all seven local government authorities in Arusha Region, combining specialist care with practical training for healthcare providers.
“We are a group of 19 health workers assigned here by the City Chief Medical Officer to participate in this programme. We’re here to learn from these top-tier specialists so we can return to our facilities with improved skills and deliver more effective services,” said Dr. Nkinda Charles from Levolosi Health Centre in Arusha.
Kelvin Mwanga, a clinician at Ngarenaro Health Centre, shared his experience working alongside pediatric specialist Dr. Anna Magembe.
He recounted how, within just one day, he gained valuable skills in managing complex pediatric cases, including a critical case involving a child. Guided closely by Dr. Magembe, he was able to follow the correct steps in patient assessment and care.
Commenting on the outreach's progress, Dr. Samia Kitara, Medical Officer-in-Charge at Arusha City Hospital, said the team had managed to attend to around 200 patients in just two days.
“Once these citizens receive the services and return home, they become our ambassadors. We promoted the outreach through public announcements, places of worship, and market areas to ensure everyone knew that specialist doctors were coming,” she explained.
Patients who turned out for services expressed appreciation for the upgraded diagnostic infrastructure, particularly the modern X-ray facility, which has reduced the need for long-distance referrals.
“In the past, we had to go to Kaloleni Health Centre, which was previously the city’s main hospital. If the issue was serious, we were referred to Mount Meru Hospital. But now, we receive care right here. I sincerely thank President Samia for bringing these services to us,” said Lamesia Ole Purukwa, a resident of Njiro Kontena in Arusha.
President Samia’s team of specialist doctors and consultants is currently in Arusha for a six-day mission to deliver advanced medical services and hands-on training across all seven councils in the region.