MOSHI: THE Kilimanjaro College of Health and Allied Sciences (KICHAS) will introduce three new higher diploma programmes as it expands specialised health training to help meet the country’s growing demand for skilled health professionals.
The college’s Principal, Dr Stephen Kasaizi, announced the move during KICHAS’ seventh graduation ceremony held in Moshi over the weekend.
The new programmes are Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine, Higher Diploma in Midwifery and Higher Diploma in Paediatric Nursing.
Dr Kasaizi said the courses will complement the 11 programmes already offered by the government-owned institution, five of which are unique to KICHAS.
They include Assistant Medical Officer (AMO) programmes in Radiology, Anaesthesia, Ophthalmology and Dermatology, as well as Orthopaedic Technology and Assistive Device education.
He said the specialised programmes have attracted students from across Tanzania and abroad.
Dr Kasaizi added that the college is also strengthening its academic capacity, with several lecturers having completed Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master’s degree studies, while others are pursuing postgraduate qualifications.
He said the growing number of highly qualified lecturers will enable KICHAS to meet the requirements for introducing Master’s and PhD programmes in future.
“Once we have enough lecturers with PhDs and Master’s degrees, we will be able to admit students into postgraduate programmes, giving them an opportunity to advance their studies without leaving the institution,” he said.
Dr Kasaizi also said 207 students graduated after completing programmes in 10 health disciplines during the 2025/26 academic year.
Speaking at the ceremony, KCMC Zonal Referral Hospital Executive Director, Prof Gilliard Masenga, commended KICHAS for expanding its academic programmes and investing in staff development, saying the initiatives complement the government’s efforts to strengthen the health sector.
Prof Masenga, who is also Secretary of the Good Samaritan Foundation (GSF), urged the college to sustain the momentum, noting that continued investment in lecturers would produce competent health professionals for the country.