A Consortium of local health experts has identified the complex challenge of managing hazardous hospital waste as a major opportunity for domestic innovation and investment within Tanzania’s health sector. The collective, under the banner of TMHS Group, has unveiled ambitious plans to introduce modern waste disposal methods on a dedicated 50-acre site and launch a localized air ambulance service.

Speaking to reporters yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Dr Julius Songopa, director of TMHS, announced that the team of experienced health professionals has combined their expertise to address the environmental threats posed by medical waste incineration.

"We identified a challenge in the environment due to the disposal of hazardous waste, and we came up with new methods for East Africa. We are leading in providing this service," said Dr Songopa.

He confirmed that a dedicated 50-acre area has already been secured for the disposal and destruction of medical waste, positioning the group as a leading provider in the East African region.

Dr Songopa emphasized the consortium’s shift away from reliance on foreign companies, demonstrating that Tanzanian institutions and professionals are capable of providing high-standard services. “It is not necessary for services to be provided by foreign companies. We, the local institutions, the government, and health stakeholders, started by believing in ourselves to provide services faithfully, and now we have crossed national borders into East Africa,” he asserted.

Dr Chakou Halfani, executive director of TMHS Group, explained that the group has unified six companies into a single team to cover three main strategic areas; Expert health consulting: Providing professional health advice; Medical supply chain: Distributing medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Also, Specialist provision and environmental services: Supplying medical professionals and providing hazardous waste management services, including consultation and proper disposal methods for environmental sustainability.

"For 15 years after being in operation, we decided to unite for the provision of community services," Dr Halfani noted. The consolidation allows the group to offer a comprehensive suite of services, from emergency care and health centers to environmental preservation, collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and environmental conservation stakeholders.

Addressing the persistent challenge of accessing emergency medical services (EMS), Dr Halfani announced the group’s plan to acquire an ambulance helicopter to provide critical emergency care, moving away from dependence on foreign providers for air rescue.

He noted that while ambulances are crucial during emergencies, the high cost often forces individuals in need to resort to makeshift transport like stretchers, motorcycles (bodaboda), or private vehicles.

The TMHS Group already operates 80 ground emergency service vehicles across different regions of the country, and the addition of a helicopter will significantly enhance their response capabilities.

Victoria Wilbard, Human Resources Manager for TMHS Group, detailed the company’s extensive social contributions alongside their commercial ventures.

Healthcare support: Providing ambulance services to public hospitals and donating essential medical equipment to institutions like Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and its affiliated facilities (Sinza and Mwananyamala).

Environmental protection: Employing advanced expertise to ensure environmental preservation through their specialised waste disposal methods.

Education and Infrastructure: Collaborating with the government in the education sector by renovating school buildings and constructing modern sanitary blocks. Notably, they built modern latrines at Kibuyuni Primary School in the Coast Region, benefiting over 500 students.

Vulnerable groups: Offering donations, including food, clothing, and specialised equipment such as eight three-wheeled bicycles for disabled children, to orphanages like Malaika Kids and Sara Youth.

Wilbard concluded that the company's ultimate goal is to increase the availability of high-quality medical services, strengthen emergency response capacity, improve environmental management, and promote community development across Tanzania and the entire East African region.