THE Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) has improved drug dispensing services, with availability of medicines now at 98 percent, up from the previous 70 percent.

This was revealed yesterday by the hospital’s management in Dar es Salaam during a visit by Zanzibar House of Representatives' Social Welfare Committee, aimed at learning about healthcare services provided.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, the Committee’s chairman for Laws and Regulations, Mihayo Juma Nungu, said MNH is a model for healthcare in Tanzania and East Africa.

"The services provided by MNH have significantly improved compared to 10 years ago. We came here to gain experience," said Nungu.

He added that while Zanzibar has   health insurance scheme for one year now, Tanzania Mainland has implemented the system for about 25 years, making MNH's experience invaluable.

Chairman of Zanzibar Health Insurance Fund (ZHSF), Mbarouk Omar Mohammed, emphasised the visit’s purpose of learning from MNH’s modern service delivery.

"We can learn a lot from MNH, particularly their implementation of advanced services. Our visit aims to strengthen collaboration," he said.

Dr. Rachel Mhavile, Acting Executive Director of MNH and Director of Surgical Services, highlighted the hospital’s significant improvements in service delivery, including investment  in infrastructure, specialist doctors and medicine availability.

"MNH prides itself on delivering quality services, modern buildings, advanced medical equipment, and local specialist doctors. In the coming years, we envision   transformation of Muhimbili due to ongoing renovations," she said.

Dr. Aifena Mramba, Ilala Regional Manager for the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), stated that the fund is ready to collaborate with ZHSF to achieve health service delivery through the  insurance scheme.