By Alfred Zacharia
In a strategic move aimed at improving service delivery and institutional governance, the Iringa Regional Hospital has officially inaugurated its new Advisory Board.
The launch, held in Iringa, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the region's healthcare system.
The event was officiated by Iringa District Commissioner Mr. Kheri James, who represented the Regional Commissioner, Peter Serukamba.
In his address, Mr. James commended the newly appointed board members and urged them to become pillars of professionalism, discipline, and innovation in the hospital's administration.
“You have been selected based on your proven experience and qualifications across various sectors. This appointment is not merely honorary. It is a call to action—to use your expertise to drive transformative changes in the delivery of healthcare services,” said Mr. James.
The Iringa Regional Hospital serves a broad catchment area, catering to thousands of patients monthly.
However, like many regional referral hospitals in Tanzania, it faces systemic challenges including resource constraints, staff shortages, and infrastructure limitations.
The introduction of the Advisory Board is seen as a timely intervention to provide strategic oversight and enhance performance.
The formation of the board is part of the government's broader agenda to decentralize hospital governance and empower institutions to make data-informed, autonomous decisions that respond to community health needs.
By engaging professionals from different backgrounds, the board is expected to offer diverse perspectives on issues such as resource mobilization, patient care standards, and institutional ethics.
Comrade James reaffirmed the government’s support, promising close cooperation with the board to ensure it meets its mandate.
“As government, we are ready to provide the necessary support. This includes enabling a conducive environment for the board to function effectively,” he said.
As part of the inauguration, members were presented with official guidelines outlining their roles and responsibilities.
They also underwent capacity-building training focused on governance, health policy, and performance monitoring—tools deemed essential for them to discharge their duties efficiently.
The launch of this advisory body comes at a time when Tanzania is increasingly focusing on accountability and community-centered service delivery in the health sector.
The move aligns with national health reforms designed to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which targets good health and well-being.
The Iringa Regional Hospital Advisory Board now joins other regional hospitals across the country that have embraced this governance model, setting a precedent for localized leadership and participatory decision-making in the healthcare system.
Observers say the success of the board will depend largely on the level of collaboration between hospital management, board members, and local government authorities.
With strong leadership and institutional commitment, the initiative holds promise for transforming the hospital into a model of efficiency and patient-centered care in southern Tanzania.