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Call for private sector to train doctors

    NAIROBI

    Tanzania is far behind other East African countries in achieving World Health Organization (WHO) standards as far as the doctor-patient ration is concerned, local media reported on Tuesday. According to reports, Tanzania's Ministry of Health is now inviting private investors to train more doctors.

    According to ministry figures, the ratio is one doctor to between 25,000 and 29,000 patients as opposed to the WHO standards of one doctor to 10,000 patients. The Minister for Health, Anna Abdallah said that this ratio meant that Tanzanian doctors are overworked as compared to their counterparts in Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia. "The ratio of doctor to patient in Tanzania is very low as compared to neighbouring countries," Abdallah was quoted as saying.

    "In the context of a liberalised economy, we would like to encourage private investors to involve in providing education in the health sector," she said. According to her, the move to a public-private mix in delivery of health services in Tanzania is attractive, but needed close monitoring.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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