DEPUTY Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (health) Dr Grace Magembe has called on health professionals to prioritise ethics and professionalism in their careers.

Speaking at the 4th graduation ceremony of 157 professionals at the Santa Maria Institute of Health and Allied Sciences in Dar es Salaam at the weekend,  Dr Magembe urged the experts to uphold the highest standards when serving patients.

The ceremony saw the individuals awarded diplomas in various health fields, including Clinical Medicine, Pharmaceutical Science, Health Records and Information Technology as well as Community Development.

“As healthcare providers, you must embrace strong ethical standards, avoid inappropriate language and always maintain patient confidentiality,” she said. 

She stressed the importance of working diligently while ensuring wellbeing of patients at all times.

Dr Magembe also encouraged the experts to be innovative and explore alternative treatment methods and medicines, noting that the Ministry of Health has a policy to integrate Traditional and Alternative Medicine (TAM) into the national healthcare system.

“The government’s policy aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of TAM, safeguard indigenous knowledge and intellectual property, and provide economic opportunities through cultivation and trade of medicinal plants,” she said.

She challenged the experts to think creatively, leverage indigenous knowledge, and play an active role in advancing healthcare in Tanzania.

Dr Magembe advised the experts to unite and form professional groups to support one another and pursue opportunities for growth.

Dr Otilia Gowele, Board Chairperson of Santa Maria Institute, expressed pride in the institution’s role in contributing to the country's healthcare workforce. 

She highlighted that the health experts were equipped with practical skills to deliver high-quality healthcare services wherever they are deployed be it urban or rural settings.