WAF – Dar es Salaam: The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has said that the number of hospitals providing neurosurgery services has increased from two hospitals that existed in previous years to seven hospitals in April 2026 where the increase shows a large investment in the health sector in the country.
President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan said this on April 16, 2026 at the second international meeting of the federation of brain, spine and neurosurgeons held at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Hall in Dar es Salaam.
“This step shows the change in Tanzania from having limited capacity for brain, spinal and nerve surgery services (neurosurgery) to a strong, sustainable and independent system of quality specialist services,” said President Samia
She explained that the investment has contributed to the increase in the number of surgeries performed in the country as well as improving the results of treatment for patients in various hospitals.
President Samia said the Government has succeeded in strengthening the workforce of surgical specialists, where the number of specialist doctors has increased from 1,038 thousand in 2020 to 1,338 thousand in April 2026, equivalent to an increase of 542 specialists during that period.
“The number of neurosurgery specialists in the country has tripled from 12 to 37, a measure that helps save the lives of more citizens, especially women and children who need emergency brain and spine surgery services”, said President Samia
President Samia has assured the people that the Government encourages the use of professional knowledge and skills, while continuing to increase opportunities for women in science, technology and professional fields to ensure equality and integrated development in the health sector.
“These successes are the result of the Government’s deliberate plans, including the Samia Scholarship and Fellowship Program, as well as international cooperation through institutions such as CECTA, the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies and the Foundation for International Education in Neurosurgery,” said President Samia
However, President Samia has admitted that despite the great success, various challenges still exist in the health sector, especially due to the increase in the demand for specialist services in developing countries and the Government continues to solve these challenges.
