Tanzania’s Health Minister orders hospitals to stop withholding dead bodies over unpaid bills
Health Minister Jenista Mhagama speaks during the national launch of a vaccination campaign in Tabora Region on April 28, 2025. PHOTO | HAWA KIMWAGA
What you need to know:
- She warned that the government will not turn a blind eye to officials who ignore official directives, adding that failure to release bodies on time violates cultural and religious practices, particularly for communities that require prompt burial.
Tabora. Health Minister Jenista Mhagama has directed all health facilities across the country to immediately stop the practice of withholding bodies of deceased patients due to unpaid medical bills, terming the act as both unlawful and inhumane.
Speaking during the national launch of a vaccination campaign in Tabora Region on April 28, 2025, Ms Mhagama reminded health practitioners of a 2021 government circular that provides clear guidance on how to handle the remains of deceased individuals.
“The procedures are clearly outlined in the circular. Why are they not being followed? This behaviour is causing unnecessary distress to citizens,” she said.
She warned that the government will not turn a blind eye to officials who ignore official directives, adding that failure to release bodies on time violates cultural and religious practices, particularly for communities that require prompt burial.
Earlier, Tabora Municipal Mayor Ramadhani Kapela brought the matter to the minister’s attention, citing frequent delays when families are unable to pay outstanding hospital debts after the death of a loved one.
“It has become increasingly difficult for families to retrieve the bodies of deceased relatives when they have hospital debts. They are often forced to seek assistance from government leaders such as district executive directors or regional medical officers, which leads to prolonged distress,” he said.
In a separate appeal, Ms Mhagama urged citizens to dismiss widespread misinformation about vaccines, particularly claims linking the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to infertility among girls.
She encouraged parents to ensure their children receive routine vaccinations, and called on girls aged 9 to 14 to take the HPV vaccine, stressing its effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer.
“Two to three million deaths could be prevented globally every year if vaccination programmes are fully implemented. Many children used to die from vaccine-preventable diseases, but with proper use, we can now reduce both illness and mortality,” she said.
Representing the Tabora Regional Commissioner, District Commissioner Deusdedith Katwale revealed that the region had surpassed its vaccination target, reaching over 104 percent coverage of eligible children and girls in the 2024/25 financial year.
However, Tabora Regional Administrative Secretary Dr John Mboya noted that the region continues to face a shortage of refrigeration equipment needed to store vaccines. He said existing fridges are worn out and appealed to the Ministry of Health to prioritise the region in future equipment distribution.
“Our vaccination exercise is progressing well, but we are hampered by a shortage of functional fridges. The few we have are outdated, and this poses a major challenge. We urge the government to give Tabora priority,” he said.
Meanwhile, a Tabora resident, Ms Hamida Omari, said she previously believed vaccines were harmful but has since changed her mind following the Minister’s explanation.
“We used to be told vaccines were dangerous and had severe side effects, which is why we didn’t take the messages seriously. But now that the Minister has reassured us, I will definitely take my children for vaccination,” she said.
