DODOMA: THE government’s major investment in modern medical equipment has prompted renewed calls for radiographers to enhance their skills and strengthen collaboration across East Africa to ensure the effective use of advanced diagnostic machines.
Dodoma Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS) Dr Khatib Kazungu issued the call in Dodoma at the weekend while closing a scientific workshop organised by the Tanzania Association of Radiographers (TARA).
The three-day event brought together 150 radiographers from Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Kenya.
According to Ministry of Health statistics cited by Dr Kazungu, the government has procured 970 ultrasound machines, 469 digital X-ray units, 32 CT scans and 13 MRI machines, all installed in public health facilities nationwide.
Early cancer-detection equipment has also been deployed at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute to strengthen early diagnosis and reduce the high costs associated with treating late-stage cases.
Dr Kazungu said the expanded diagnostic capacity requires radiographers to address challenges raised during the workshop and improve service delivery in their respective regions.
He further urged TARA members to adhere to workplace regulations and uphold professional standards in line with the government’s efforts to improve healthcare provision.
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Before the workshop closed, TARA presented a formal request to the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance, asking the government to recognise specialised and super-specialised radiography services, an area the association says lags behind other health cadres whose advanced qualifications are formally acknowledged.
TARA President Bakary Msongamwanja, speaking during the opening of the Scientific Conference and General Meeting themed “Empowering Healthcare through Imaging Excellence,” said the lack of recognition undermines professional growth despite progress in the sector.
He appealed for the establishment of local Master’s degree programmes in radiography, noting that demand for advanced training is rising as imaging technology particularly the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve rapidly.
“Studying abroad is extremely costly and only a few can afford it. We need broader opportunities for academic advancement within local institutions,” he said.
Msongamwanja also highlighted TARA’s expanding membership, which has grown from 20 members in 1976 to 478 in 2025, though he noted that many practising radiographers have yet to join the association.