ZANZIBAR MINISTRY OF HEALTH VISITS MOUNT MERU HOSPITAL TO LEARN ABOUT 5S KAIZEN IMPLEMENTATION

Posted on: 2026-01-20 11:17:23

Arusha Regional Referral Hospital, Mount Meru, has received a delegation from the Zanzibar Ministry of Health with the aim of learning about the implementation of the 5S Kaizen philosophy and exchanging experiences on improving the delivery of health services.

Speaking to the visitors, the Medical Officer In-Charge of Mount Meru Hospital, Dr. Alex Ernest, said that the implementation of 5S Kaizen has brought significant achievements in various areas of the hospital.

“Through the implementation of 5S Kaizen, we have made great progress in improving the hospital environment, patient management, and even economic efficiency. This implementation has enabled us to reach the level we are at today,” said Dr. Alex Ernest.

On his part, Mr. Hisahiro Ishijima, Chief Advisor of the JICA Tanzania Project, said that since 5S Kaizen was first introduced at Mount Meru Hospital in 2010, there have been major and satisfactory changes. He noted that the hospital has achieved remarkable success that many public hospitals in the country have not yet attained, and he commended the strong efforts made by the hospital’s management and staff.

Speaking on behalf of the Zanzibar delegation, the Head of the Quality of Care Unit at the Zanzibar Ministry of Health, Ms. Asha Mkamba, said that the purpose of the visit was to learn from the high quality of services provided at Mount Meru Hospital.
Ms. Asha expressed her admiration for the work of the hospital’s Quality Improvement Team and pledged to collaborate with them, particularly in maternal health (maternity) services, so that they too can reach the level of success achieved by Mount Meru Hospital.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kasembo Kulwa, Chairperson of the Quality Improvement Team at Mount Meru Hospital, said that the hospital continues to make progress every day by embracing innovation and thinking of new ways to improve services for the public. He emphasized that there is no room for complacency at the hospital; instead, there is a strong commitment to working hard to satisfy citizens and to fully implement the goals and directives of the Government and the Ministry of Health.

While concluding the visit, the Representative from the Ministry of Health, Curative Services Department, Dr. Fadhili Kibaya, congratulated the Zanzibar delegation for taking the initiative to come and learn, and assured them of the Ministry’s support.

“You are not late at all. Everything you have seen here can be implemented, and the Ministry of Health is ready to provide cooperation and support whenever needed,” said Dr. Kibaya.

The visit demonstrated that Arusha Regional Referral Hospital, Mount Meru, continues to be a best-practice model in the implementation of the 5S Kaizen philosophy and in the provision of quality health services in the country.