DAR ES SALAAM: HEALTHCARE providers and facilities across the country have been urged to regularly assess the quality of services they offer in order to improve service delivery and meet international standards.
The call was made yesterday by Tanzania Health Summit (THS) President, Dr Omary Chillo, during a ceremony to award a SafeCare Level 4 quality certificate to Qualitas Hospital in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam.
Speaking at the event, Dr Chillo emphasised the importance of conducting regular assessments to identify gaps and address them to meet required standards.
He said quality should be maintained in all hospitals and healthcare centres, irrespective of the type of services offered.
“Quality must be observed in all hospitals and healthcare centres. Services may differ, but the standard of quality should be the same,” Dr Chillo said.
He highlighted key challenges facing health facilities in delivering quality services, including weak governance, inadequate infrastructure such as substandard buildings and equipment and low staff performance, which often leads to the absence of standard operating procedures.
Dr Chillo added that THS is committed to analysing these challenges and advising health facilities on areas needing improvement.
He said the broader goal is to reach institutions across all regions of Tanzania and promote overall enhancement of healthcare service delivery.
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Regarding SafeCare, he explained that it is a programme assessing the quality of healthcare services in hospitals, dispensaries, health centres and clinics nationwide. Implemented for over ten years, the programme has significantly strengthened healthcare service delivery.
Qualitas Hospital Medical Director, Dr Jane Manyahi, encouraged private healthcare providers to enrol in quality self-assessment programmes. She urged both public and private hospitals to adhere to international standards to ensure safe and high-quality services.
“Complying with such standards enables staff to work in safer and more supportive environments, which increases trust and confidence among patients and the community,” Dr Manyahi said.
She expressed delight at receiving the four-star quality certificate, describing it as a milestone in their efforts to provide safe services and save lives. Meanwhile, Kigamboni resident Esther Medson, who visited the hospital for treatment, said she was satisfied with the services and believed the facility deserved high-level recognition.
She urged healthcare institutions to continue serving patients professionally and fully utilise their expertise to enhance care quality.