Mchengerwa demands patient-centred healthcare

Tanzania's Health Minister, Mohamed Mchengerwa, has issued a directive to hospital leaders nationwide, demanding a renewed focus on patient-centered care. He cautioned that subpar treatment of patients risks negating the substantial investments the government has made in the health sector.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new board for Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital in Arusha, Minister Mchengerwa emphasized that the true measure of healthcare quality extends beyond infrastructure and medical equipment. He stated that the dignity, compassion, and respect shown to patients are equally crucial indicators of success.

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The government has invested heavily in the health sector. It is therefore the responsibility of hospital leaders to ensure that this investment translates into quality services for citizens.

The minister acknowledged that persistent complaints about service delivery in some health facilities continue to overshadow the progress achieved through significant investments in hospitals, health centers, and dispensaries across the country. "The government has invested heavily in the health sector," he said. "It is therefore the responsibility of hospital leaders to ensure that this investment translates into quality services for citizens."

Mchengerwa highlighted that even hospitals equipped with modern technology and impressive facilities can fall short if the human element of care is lacking. He stressed that the quality of healthcare should be judged by how patients are treated, ensuring they feel valued and respected throughout their medical journey.

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the quality of healthcare should be judged not only by infrastructure and medical equipment but also by the dignity, compassion and respect shown to patients.