PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE PRAISES BMH FOR SUPER-SPECIALIZED HEALTH SERVICES, CALLS FOR GREATER INVESTMENT IN CHRONIC DISEASE CARE
By Joseph Ngilisho – Arushadigital | Dodoma
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS has commended the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) for its remarkable achievements in providing specialized and super-specialized healthcare services, describing the facility as a critical referral center for patients across Tanzania seeking advanced medical treatment.
The commendation was delivered on June 9, 2026, in Dodoma by the Committee Chairperson, Dr. Johannes Lukumay, during an inspection visit aimed at assessing the hospital’s progress, including the ongoing construction of its Cancer Centre and the quality of specialized healthcare services being offered.
Speaking after touring the facility, Dr. Lukumay said BMH has undergone significant transformation in healthcare delivery as a result of sustained government investment and strong leadership under the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abel Makubi.
“We have witnessed tremendous progress in infrastructure development, medical technology, and healthcare service delivery. This hospital has continued to build an impressive reputation and has emerged as one of the country’s leading institutions in specialized and super-specialized medical care,” he said.
He noted that the Committee was impressed by both the quality of services provided and the dedication of healthcare professionals in ensuring patients receive timely and effective treatment.
Dr. Lukumay further applauded BMH for establishing and expanding Bone Marrow Transplant services, noting that since the program was launched in 2023, 30 children aged between four and twelve years have successfully undergone the procedure within the country. He said the achievement has significantly reduced the need and costs associated with seeking treatment abroad.
The Committee Chairperson also emphasized the need for continued government investment in financing treatment for non-communicable and chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disorders, diabetes, and musculoskeletal conditions, to ensure wider access to life-saving healthcare services.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Florence Samizi, attributed the hospital’s achievements to the substantial investments being made by the Sixth Phase Government in the health sector.
She said BMH currently offers 20 specialized services and 17 super-specialized services, making it one of Tanzania’s most important healthcare institutions for advanced medical treatment.
“The Government has continued to strengthen the capacity of this hospital through investments in infrastructure, modern medical equipment, and professional training for healthcare workers. Through the Samia Scholarship Programme, many specialists have received advanced training, further improving the quality of healthcare services provided,” she said.
Dr. Samizi revealed that the Government has allocated TZS 33 billion for the construction of the Cancer Centre and an additional TZS 4 billion for the procurement of modern medical equipment to enhance the hospital’s capacity in treating various diseases.
She also urged Tanzanians to adopt healthy lifestyles and undergo regular medical check-ups as a preventive measure against the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
Earlier, BMH Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abel Makubi, said the hospital has made significant progress in improving patient care, including reducing waiting times from the previous two to three days to an average of three to six hours.
He said the hospital continues to provide a wide range of specialized and super-specialized services, including pediatric cardiac surgery, kidney transplantation, and advanced urological treatments using modern technology.
Prof. Makubi added that BMH has strengthened customer care services through a 24-hour call center and digital systems that facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers.
He further noted that the hospital’s laboratory has earned international accreditation for the third consecutive time, demonstrating the high quality and reliability of its diagnostic services.
According to Prof. Makubi, BMH is currently implementing several major development projects, including the construction of a TZS 28 billion Centre of Excellence for Kidney Transplantation funded by the Government of Japan, as well as preparations to establish a Bone Marrow Transplant Centre of Excellence in collaboration with the East African Community.
He said that with the continued expansion of services and the increasing number of patients from within and outside Tanzania, the hospital is aspiring to attain National Hospital status, a move expected to further strengthen its capacity to provide specialized and super-specialized healthcare services to Tanzanians.
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