Dar es Salaam: Muhimbili National Hospital has launched the first and only special surgical vehicle ever to be available in the country with the aim of facilitating the provision of specialist surgical services in various parts of Tanzania through the ‘Mkoba’ service.
Participating in the launch of the vehicle, on May 20, 2026, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Florence Samizi on behalf of the Minister of Health, Mr. Mohamed Mchengerwa, said the move is a major achievement in bringing specialist services closer to the citizens, especially those in remote areas who have been facing the challenge of accessing health services away from the Hospital.
Dr. Samizi commended the Sokus Kova Foundation for facilitating the acquisition of the vehicle from China, saying that the support will increase the Government’s ability to deliver health services to more citizens.
“We are very grateful to our colleagues at Kova Foundation for ensuring that this special vehicle reaches our Muhimbili National Hospital. We also thank the Chinese Government for this great support because now we are providing surgical services anywhere and not forcing citizens to come to the hospital,” said Dr. Samizi.
The Executive Director of Muhimbili Hospital, Dr. Delilah Kimambo, said the vehicle will help reach citizens in remote areas who have been lacking specialist services due to challenges of distance, transportation costs and shortage of specialist surgical services.
He said the vehicle is equipped with modern technology and special surgical equipment that enables it to provide various services including emergency operations, initial examinations and specialist health services.
He said the vehicle, worth more than one billion shillings, is the first of its kind in the country and is expected to help reduce the challenge of accessing specialist services for citizens in areas without adequate health infrastructure.
The launch of the vehicle is part of the Government’s efforts to continue strengthening health services by bringing services closer to the citizens and reducing costs and travel time to seek specialist treatment.
