Technology for Life – Strengthening Medical Equipment Functionality in Rural Tanzania
Situation:
Health facilities in rural Tanzania depend on functioning medical and laboratory equipment for diagnostics, treatment, emergency care, surgery, and maternal and newborn health services. However, many devices are not maintained or repaired in a timely manner and may remain out of service for extended periods. Long distances, a shortage of qualified technicians, limited access to spare parts and financial constraints make reliable maintenance challenging in rural areas. As a result, diagnostic and treatment services are affected, creating risks for patient safety and reducing the quality of care
Objectives:
Medical and laboratory equipment in at least 50 health facilities across the Kagera, Mwanza and Mara regions will become more reliable, safer to use and better maintained. The project will establish two regional health technology workshops, strengthen the capacities of equipment users and technical staff through targeted training, and support the introduction of preventive maintenance systems to ensure the long-term functionality of medical and laboratory equipment. The project contributes to improved quality and patient safety of healthcare services in Tanzania.
Two health technology workshops are fully operational and provide regular maintenance and repair services to at least 50 rural health facilities. At least 80 healthcare workers have been trained in the safe operation and basic maintenance of medical and laboratory equipment. Preventive maintenance plans have been developed and are under implementation in at least 40 health facilities.
Workshops will be established and equipped in Mwanza and Biharamulo and run by qualified technicians. The technicians will provide troubleshooting, repairs and preventive maintenance for at least 50 health facilities. At least 80 technicians and equipment users will receive practical on-the-job training.
The workshops will be permanently integrated into action medeor Tanzania's operational structures. Health facilities will cover the cost of required spare parts and incorporate maintenance into their operational planning. Practical training will improve equipment use, troubleshooting and user maintenance, reducing avoidable failures, extending equipment life and strengthening local capacities.
action medeor Tanzania combines reliable, high-quality health technology services with comprehensive training for healthcare professionals to strengthen diagnostic capacities and improve the quality of patient care.
Further information: Medizinische Geräte in Tansania verbessern – action medeor
