ARUSHA, Tanzania: Tanzania’s Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide toll-free digital platform aimed at strengthening accountability and citizen engagement in public health services, officials said.
The platform allows citizens to contact the ministry via a 24-hour toll-free number, WhatsApp, SMS and social media to provide feedback on health services.
Health Minister Mohammed Mchengerwa said the initiative was designed to close gaps between service users and policymakers by embedding transparency and responsiveness in health governance.
“This platform is about listening directly to citizens and acting on their experiences,” Mchengerwa said at the launch in Arusha.
The initiative aligns with priorities promoted by development partners such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF, which emphasise community engagement and digital tools as enablers of universal health coverage.
Mchengerwa said he would dedicate one day each month to personally engage with citizens through the platform.
Officials said data generated will inform planning, budgeting and reforms, supporting efforts to expand health insurance coverage and improve trust in public services.
Johannes Lukumay, chair of parliament’s health committee, said accountability and public confidence were essential for scaling universal health insurance.
