Specialist doctors rise to 119 in Zanzibar
Unguja. Despite a persistent shortage of healthcare professionals, the number of specialist doctors in Zanzibar has increased from 75 in 2020 to 119 in 2025, with further training efforts underway, the Ministry of Health has announced.
The update was delivered on Thursday, June 26, 2025, by the ministry’s Director of Medical Services, Dr Msafiri Marijani, during a press briefing at the Department of Information offices in Unguja.
Dr Marijani said the increase has notably improved access to specialised medical services, including kidney dialysis and orthopaedic care, across the islands.
“Specialised services are now available within Zanzibar, eliminating the need to travel to Mainland Tanzania. This development has reduced costs for patients and saved valuable time,” he said.
He added that dialysis machines and orthopaedic treatment equipment have been installed at Lumumba Hospital.
In addition, the government plans to build two regional hospitals—one in Mahonda, Unguja, and the other in Wete, Pemba—as well as a dedicated maternity and child health facility.
These projects aim to decongest existing hospitals and improve healthcare delivery.
Dr Marijani also confirmed that the transformation of Mnazi Mmoja Hospital into a referral facility has been completed.
He said the government is now constructing a major specialist referral hospital intended to serve the broader East African region.
Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Mr Khalid Masoud Bakar, said the government remains committed to establishing vocational training centres in every district to enhance skills development and support youth self-employment.
He announced plans to construct three workshops in each district to provide training in various technical and vocational disciplines.
“Our aim is not just to erect buildings, but to establish fully equipped schools and colleges with modern infrastructure and facilities to offer quality education that enables youth to become self-reliant upon graduation,” said Mr Bakar.
Highlighting recent achievements, he noted that the government has built 4,810 classrooms over the past year alone, all of which are in use as part of efforts to promote practical education.
