The media delegation had toured all five regions and 11 districts to inspect development projects implemented under the eighth-phase government led by President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi
Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar has unveiled an ambitious plan to overhaul Mnazi Mmoja Hospital as part of efforts to attract medical tourism and eliminate the need to refer patients to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Mainland Tanzania and facilities in India.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, by the Second Vice President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGZ), Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, during a meeting with editors and journalists who paid a courtesy visit to his office.
The media delegation had toured all five regions and 11 districts to inspect development projects implemented under the eighth-phase government led by President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi.
Mr Abdulla said the government was in the final stages of demolishing the existing Mnazi Mmoja Hospital infrastructure to pave the way for a modern referral hospital capable of providing specialised medical services.
“We want Mnazi Mmoja Hospital to meet the true standards of a referral hospital. Patients who were previously referred to MNH and India should now be treated in the Isles. We also want the hospital to serve patients from neighbouring East African countries,” Mr Abdullah said.
Mr Abdulla said the government’s broader reform plan in the health sector involves building 10 district hospitals in 10 districts, with exception to Mkoani that possesses the Abdallah Mzee facility with a referral status.
He said move was a major step beyond relying solely on Mnazi Mmoja in Unguja and Abdallah Mzee Hospital in Pemba as the primary referral facilities.
The Second Vice President added that each of the new hospitals are able to serve at least 100 patients per day and that regional hospitals are also being constructed in all five regions of Zanzibar.
Citing Lumumba Regional Hospital in Mjini Region as an example, Mr Abdulla said the new facilities will be fully equipped with modern medical devices, allowing them to operate as referral centres and easing the patient load on Mnazi Mmoja and Abdalla Mzee hospitals.
He noted that the government has made dialysis services free of charge, a service that previously cost patients Sh600,000 per week when done three times and that all hospital services, including medicine and meals for in-patients, continue to be provided at no cost.
“The government will maintain its commitment to providing free treatment and nutrition to admitted patients, as recommended by health experts, depending on individual conditions,” he said.
Despite the progress, Mr Abdulla pointed out that the reforms have presented new challenges, including patients refusing discharge and choosing to remain in hospital for extended periods due to improved services.
“The confidence in our hospitals has increased dramatically. People are now more inclined to seek professional healthcare rather than relying on traditional remedies, which has significantly raised the number of hospital visits,” he said.
During their tour, editors visited several upgraded facilities, including the modern Kizimkazi Health Centre, which District Commissioner Mr Othman Ali Maulid said offers more services than a typical district hospital.
“The centre provides nearly all services available in district hospitals and even some that are not. Its presence has reassured citizens and strengthened the tourism sector in South Unguja Region,” he said.
In Pemba, the editors toured Abdalla Mzee Hospital, where they viewed newly constructed housing units for medical staff.
Previously, many health practitioners lived far from the hospital, affecting timely service delivery.
Dr Khamis Suleiman Khamis said the four new residential blocks accommodate 72 staff members, improving patient care and service availability.
“The buildings are fully furnished. Staff move in with just their clothing. Each unit includes beds, television sets, sofas, refrigerators, washing machines and cooking equipment,” said Dr Khamis.
The facility also features a gym for staff and a restaurant catering to unmarried personnel.
Dr Khamis said the new housing has reduced absenteeism and helped retain doctors who might otherwise seek employment in the private sector.
“The availability of accommodation has improved the doctor-patient ratio and encouraged staff to remain committed,” he noted.
A resident, Ms Rahma Mohamed Haji praised the initiative, calling it a “revolution” in healthcare delivery and commending the bold decisions made by the eighth-phase government.
At Vitongoji District Hospital in Chakechake, South Pemba, medical officer-in-charge Dr Fatma Ahmed Mohamed said patient numbers had surged from an average of 60–80 per day to over 400 following a major upgrade.
“The hospital is now equipped with modern diagnostic tools, including laboratory equipment, ultrasound machines, ECG and echo devices and a full complement of doctors and specialists, including gynaecologists,” she said.
She added that the presence of specialists has significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality, with some quarters recording zero deaths.
“We have expanded services to include dedicated clinics for skin conditions, eye care, premature babies and children with heart complications. This has greatly improved overall care,” she said.
Dr Mohamed added that the facility is well-stocked with essential medicines and has sharply reduced referrals to Abdalla Mzee Hospital in Mkoani District.
The wide-ranging reforms are expected to transform Zanzibar into a regional medical tourism hub while ensuring citizens access high-quality, free healthcare closer to home.
