By David Chikoko
The government has ordered the immediate construction of an ultra-modern 10-storey hospital building at the current site of Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital in Arusha, marking a major boost to the region’s health infrastructure.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Health, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, during the launch of a new digital direct-line platform that enables citizens to engage with the ministry in real time. The launch took place earlier this week in Arusha.
“Arusha deserves a modern health facility that reflects the city’s growing population and strategic importance,” said Minister Mchengerwa when addressing workers at Mount Meru Hospital. He noted that the new building would be designed to meet international standards.
The minister said the new hospital block would expand significantly service capacity, enhance specialised care and reduce the number of patients referred to facilities outside the region.
According to the Ministry of Health, the proposed 10-storey facility will house specialised medical units, advanced diagnostic services and expanded in-patient capacity – positioning Arusha as a key medical hub in northern Tanzania.
The Minister directed that the existing plan to construct a five-storey hospital building at a cost of Sh7 billion be revised to accommodate the larger 10-storey structure, with provisions for future expansion.
Health officials at Mount Meru Hospital said the project will help ease congestion at the current facility while improving access to quality healthcare for residents of Arusha and neighbouring regions.
Details on construction timelines and funding arrangements are expected to be announced following the completion of technical and feasibility assessments.
Local leaders welcomed the announcement, saying improved health infrastructure was critical for the city’s rapidly growing population and its role as the country’s tourism and diplomatic capital, apart from housing a number of regional institutions and serving as the seat of the East African Community (EAC).
The new online digital direct-line platform dubbed “Ongea na Waziri” (Talk to the Minister) allows citizens to lodge complaints, give suggestions and get feedback directly from the Ministry of Health.
The system integrates a toll-free hotline (199), mobile messaging and online channels, enabling the public to report service delivery challenges and follow up on health-related concerns without intermediaries.
“This system strengthens accountability and ensures citizens’ voices are heard and acted upon promptly,” the minister said.
In line with the government’s digital health agenda, the Head of Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Alex Ernest, said the facility has also introduced online appointment bookings and selected digital medical services aimed at reducing waiting time and improving efficiency. Hospital management noted that the digital systems complemented broader reforms intended to modernise healthcare delivery nationwide.
Meanwhile, the minister ordered the upgrading of the nearby Kaloleni Health Centre to District Hospital status and approved the promotion of the facility’s Officer-in-Charge, Dr Anna Simon Kimaro to District Medical Officer (DMO). He praised the doctor for her dedication to work and maintaining high standards of the buildings, equipment and service delivery.
