For too long, many medical professionals in Tanzania have hesitated to enter private practice or start health-related businesses—not due to lack of ideas or skills, but out of fear:
“What if I break a regulation?”
“What if I register the wrong type of facility?”
This fear is legitimate. But it should not paralyze us.
The good news is: the Tanzanian government has not only opened doors for private healthcare entrepreneurship—but is actively encouraging it. With clear policy reforms and regulatory updates, you can now build legal, scalable, and impactful healthcare businesses while remaining 100% compliant.
Why This Matters Now
The Ministry of Health has introduced a guideline addendum to the Basic Standards for Health Facilities (BSHF) that aligns with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This framework:
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Encourages private sector investment
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Clarifies staffing and supervision rules
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Formalizes new facility types like specialized hospitals, polyclinics, and CBR centers
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Allows part-time hiring and flexible staffing
These changes are designed to create jobs, improve access to care, and build strong legal institutions in health.
What Kind of Health Facilities Can Be Registered?
Based on the latest regulatory update, here are some recognized facility types, who can register them, and what they must offer:
| Facility Type | Who Can Register & Supervise | Core Staffing & Service Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| General Medical Clinic | Medical Doctor | OPD consultations, general diagnostics |
| General Polyclinic | Medical Doctor + Medical Specialists | General medicine + selected specialist services (No specialized services allowed here anymore) |
| Specialized Clinic | Medical Specialist (e.g., cardiologist, neurologist) | Focused services on one specialty like cardiology, nephrology, oncology, etc. |
| Comprehensive Dental Clinic | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | Basic dental services only – not specialized |
| Specialized Dental Clinic | DDS with specialist training | Root canals, surgeries, implants, orthodontics |
| Super Specialized Clinic | Super Specialist (e.g., nephrologist) | IVF, dialysis (must now be hospital-based) |
| Rehabilitation Facilities | Physiotherapist/OT/Rehab Physician | Includes CBR centers and occupational therapy clinics |
| Specialized Hospital / Multi-specialized Hospital | MD with required specialty registration and facility licensing | Advanced infrastructure, specialists in multiple fields, research capacity, and emergency care readiness |
Who Can Supervise a Facility?
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One medical personnel may supervise only ONE facility now (down from 5).
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Nephrologists may supervise up to 3 dialysis centers.
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You may work part-time in up to 2 other facilities in addition to your ow
This is to ensure quality oversight and accountability across the healthcare system.
Key Takeaways for Healthcare Entrepreneurs
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Register your facility legally—don’t operate in a gray zone. Formal registration protects you.
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Understand the scope of services allowed at each facility level—e.g., don’t offer cardiology in a general clinic.
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Choose the right supervising personnel—get registered specialists to back your services legally.
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Use part-time roles to boost staffing—the law now allows flexible employment models.
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Think long-term—build institutions, not informal setups based on relationships alone.
Want to Learn More?
We’re running a Master Class on Medical and Healthcare Business Modalities in Tanzania to help you:
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Understand these laws in detail
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Learn from real business examples
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Get templates, SOPs, and registration checklists
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Ask your own questions and get personalized guidance
Register Now: [Insert Your Link Here]
For all medical professionals, students, and health entrepreneurs in Tanzania.
Let’s stop surviving and start building.
TRAINING FEE: Tsh 100,000
Payment Options:
CRDB Bank:
Account Number: 0150740665000
Tube Medical Consultancy
CRDB LIPA Number: 11897790
Tube Medical Consultancy
M-PESA LIPA Number: 5806447
Tube Medical Consultancy
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Diamond Trust Bank (DTB): 72661977001
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Issa Faustine Mbashu
Build legally. Scale sustainably. Serve ethically.
Let’s build healthcare enterprises that heal and empower our nation.
Dr. Issa F.M. Mbashu
CEO | Founder, Tube Medical Consultancy
Executive director, Tusikilizwe- letusbeheard foundation
