The Muhimbili National Hospital Act

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.393
CHAPTER 150
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
part i
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
part ii
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL
3. Establishment of Hospital.
4. Functions of Hospital.
5. Control and management.
part iii
ADMINISTRATION
6. Board of Trustees.
7. Powers and duties of Board.
8. Executive Director.
9. Staff and other employees.
10. Superannuation benefits.
11. Directorates, departments or divisions of Hospital.
12. Discipline.
part iv
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
13. Funds and resources of Hospital.
14. Block grants.
15. Annual estimates.
16. Investment.
17. Power of Board to borrow money.
18. Accounts and audit.
19. Laying of reports to National Assembly.

grants.
15. Annual estimates.
16. Investment.
17. Power of Board to borrow money.
18. Accounts and audit.
19. Laying of reports to National Assembly.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
394
part v
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
20. Remuneration of members of Board.
21. Committees of Board.
22. Minister may give directions to Board.
23. Liability of members of Board.
24. Regulations.
part vi
REPEAL, VESTING AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
25. Dissolution of former Centre.
26. Vesting of assets and liabilities.
27. Transitional period.
28. Appointment of Transition Management Committee.
29. Provisions regarding former Centres’ employees.
30. Provisions applicable to transferred staff.
31. Continuation and completion of disciplinary proceedings.
32. Repeal and savings.
SCHEDULE

ployees.
30. Provisions applicable to transferred staff.
31. Continuation and completion of disciplinary proceedings.
32. Repeal and savings.
SCHEDULE

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.395
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Muhimbili National Hospital
Act. 2. In this Act, unless the context requires otherwise-
“assets” includes all property movable or immovable and all
assets, easements and rights whether equitable or legal
in, to or out of property, choses in action, money and
goodwill;
“Board” means the Board of Trustees established under
section 6;
“Committee” means the Transition Management Committee
established under section 28;
“Executive Director” means the Chief Executive of the
Hospital appointed under section 8;
“former Centre” means the Muhimbili Medical Centre
established under the Muhimbili Medical Centre Act;
“Hospital” means the Muhimbili National Hospital
established under this Act;
“liabilities” means liabilities debts, charges and obligations
of every description whether present or future, actual
Short title
Interpretation
Act No.

iabilities” means liabilities debts, charges and obligations
of every description whether present or future, actual
Short title
Interpretation
Act No.

17 of 1976
CHAPTER 150
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT
An Act to establish the Muhimbili National Hospital, to repeal the
Muhimbili Medical Centre Act, 1976, to make transitional provisions
on such repeal and for other related matters. [1st October, 2000]
[GN. No. 290 of 2000]
Acts Nos. 5 of 2000
5 of 2002

to make transitional provisions
on such repeal and for other related matters. [1st October, 2000]
[GN. No. 290 of 2000]
Acts Nos. 5 of 2000
5 of 2002

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
396
or contingent and whether payable to be observed or
performed in the United Republic or elsewhere;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for health;
“rights” means all rights, powers, privileges and immunities,
whether actual, contingent or prospective;
“University” means the Muhimbili University of Health and
Allied Sciences established under the Universities Act;
“vesting date” means the date on which assets and liabilities
to which the former Centre was entitled or subject to, are
transferred to and vested in the Hospital or the University. PART II
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL
3.–(1) There is hereby established an autonomous institution
to be known as the Muhimbili National Hospital.

SHMENT OF THE
MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL
3.–(1) There is hereby established an autonomous institution
to be known as the Muhimbili National Hospital.

(2) The Hospital shall be a body corporate and shall-
(a) have perpetual succession and an official seal; and
(b) in its corporate name, be capable of-
(i) suing and being sued;
(ii) taking, purchasing or otherwise acquiring,
holding, charging and disposing of property,
movable or immovable; and
(iii) entering into contracts and doing and performing
all other things or acts for the proper performance
of its functions under this Act or any other written
law which may lawfully be done or performed by
a body corporate. 4.–(1) The functions of the Hospital shall be to-
(a) assume responsibility for the control and management
of any other hospital as may be vested in the hospital
under this Act or any other written law;
(b) undertake medical care of out-patients and in-patients
in accordance with medical ethics;
Cap. 346
Establishment of
Hospital
Functions of
Hospital

(b) undertake medical care of out-patients and in-patients
in accordance with medical ethics;
Cap. 346
Establishment of
Hospital
Functions of
Hospital

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.397
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E.

ights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.397
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E.

2023]
(c) stimulate and promote programs for the improvement
or advancement of health and general welfare of the
people of the United Republic;
(d) assist the Government and other public organisations
or institutions in the formulation, implementation,
review and revision of health education programs for
the benefit of members of the public;
(e) equip and manage the hospital as a national consultant
and teaching hospital;
(f) provide services of a kind normally provided by
consultants and teaching hospitals;
(g) act as a national referral hospital;
(h) make provision for places and centers of learning,
education, training and research in medical science
and any other related subjects as the Board may decide;
(i) carry out programs for the training of health personnel
as may, be assigned to the hospital on the direction of
the Government;
(j) provide conducive environment and facilitate the
training of health personnel by universities of health
and allied sciences or any other health training
institution;
(k) prepare students for such examinations as may be
conducted by relevant competent authorities in respect
of subjects included in training programs carried out
by the hospital under subparagraph (i);
(l) provide advisory, consultancy and other services to
the Government, organisations and individuals with
respect to the orderly development of medical services,
health and general welfare amenities in the United
Republic;
(m) undertake, either alone or in association with any
other person or body of persons within or outside the
United Republic, the development or production of
pharmaceuticals reagents, medical instruments and
equipment;

r body of persons within or outside the
United Republic, the development or production of
pharmaceuticals reagents, medical instruments and
equipment;

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
398
(n) provide diagnostic services and services connected with
the repair and maintenance of hospital and laboratory
equipment;
(o) assist the Government and other public institutions
in the formulation and carrying out of measures
connected with quality assurance of health services;
(p) conduct health research and kindred matters; and
(q) perform such other functions as are conferred upon
the Hospital by or under this Act or any other written
law. (2) In the performance of its functions, the Hospital shall
enter into contracts or memorandum of understanding with
other hospitals, colleges or institutions of health sciences for
organising teaching and research activities and integrating
them with clinical work. (3) The Board shall abide by any terms and conditions of
service agreement which it may enter between itself and the
Government, regarding the discharge of the functioning of the
Hospital.

and conditions of
service agreement which it may enter between itself and the
Government, regarding the discharge of the functioning of the
Hospital.

(4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3),
the terms and conditions of service agreement may include-
(a) mechanisms for determining the amount for the block
grants;
(b) modalities of administration of the specified hospital;
(c) development and running of health programs,
consultancies, research, projects etc;
(d) providing for effective quality assurance of service; and
(e) providing funds for development expenditure of the
Hospital. (5) The Hospital shall be granted a right of occupancy over
the land over which a specified hospital exists upon such terms
and conditions set out in the relevant laws. (6) Until a right of occupancy is granted, it shall be lawful
for the Hospital to exercise in relation to the land over which
a specified hospital exists, all the rights necessary for the
performance of its functions which the owner of a right of

lation to the land over which
a specified hospital exists, all the rights necessary for the
performance of its functions which the owner of a right of

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.399
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
occupancy may lawfully exercise over land comprised in a
right of occupancy granted to him, and the fact that a right
of occupancy has not been granted to the Hospital shall not
affect the validity of anything done or omitted bona fide by any
person in the execution or purported execution of his duties
under this Act. (7) A fee or duty shall not be charged or payable in respect
of the issue to the Hospital of a certificate in respect of a right
of occupancy granted in accordance with this section. (8) The Board may enter into a memorandum of
understanding which shall be mutually negotiated, agreed
upon and signed between the Hospital and any other body,
hospital, institution or organisation whereby the Hospital and
respective body as the case may be, shall agree on the terms
and conditions of managing or handling affairs or matters of
mutual interest especially related to the handling of patients
which may benefit or may be of concern to the respective
organisations.

s or matters of
mutual interest especially related to the handling of patients
which may benefit or may be of concern to the respective
organisations.

(9) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (8), the
terms and conditions of the memorandum of understanding
depending on the nature of the institution, college, hospital or
university as the case may be shall include-
(a) modalities by the Hospital to the respective
organisations to avail the academic members of staff
to the Hospital for rendering services to patients in the
Hospital;
(b) modalities by the Hospital to the respective
organisations to avail the Hospital for teaching and
research purposes;
(c) agreement on the use, funding and management
of facilities which by their character or actual use
must be shared between the hospital and respective
organisations;
(d) agreement on methods of amicable settlement and
resolution of disputes that may arise between the
Hospital and respective organisations; and

ions;
(d) agreement on methods of amicable settlement and
resolution of disputes that may arise between the
Hospital and respective organisations; and

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
400
(e) provisions for a coordinating Committee or
committees for the coordination of affairs or matters of
mutual interest, benefit or concern to the Hospital and
respective organisations. 5.–(1) The control and management of the Hospital is hereby
vested in the Board. (2) The Minister, after consultation with the Board, by
notice published in the Gazette, vest in the Hospital the control
and management of any other hospital. PART III
ADMINISTRATION
6.–(1) There shall be a Board of Trustees of the Hospital. (2) The provisions of the Schedule to this Act shall have effect
as to the composition of the Board, the tenure of office of its
members, termination of their appointment, the proceedings
of the Board and other matters in relation to the Board and its
members. (3) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette,
amend, vary or replace all or any of the provisions of the
Schedule.

Board and its
members. (3) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette,
amend, vary or replace all or any of the provisions of the
Schedule.

7.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the management
and control of the Hospital shall be vested in the Board. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of
subsection (1), the Board shall have power to-
(a) administer the properties of the Hospital, both movable
and immovable;
(b) administer the funds, investments and assets of the
Hospital;
(c) signify the acts of the Hospital by use of the official seal;
(d) receive fees, grants, donations, gifts and other monies
on behalf of the Hospital and to make disbursements
to other persons or bodies of persons or department,
divisions or sections of the Hospital;
Control and
management
Board of Trustees
Powers and duties
of Board

persons or bodies of persons or department,
divisions or sections of the Hospital;
Control and
management
Board of Trustees
Powers and duties
of Board

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.401
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E.

ights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.401
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E.

2023]
(e) appoint, settle the terms and conditions of service or
terminate the appointment of senior staff including the
Executive Director, Directors, division heads and other
employees of the Hospital as it may deem necessary;
(f) establish departments or divisions or disestablish any
one or more of them as it may deem necessary;
(g) determine and set up Hospital policies, approve the
Hospital business strategies, annual plans and monitor
and review their implementations;
(h) monitor and supervise performance;
(i) ensure the financial viability of the Hospital;
(j) ensure that the Hospital services are responsive to the
priority needs for hospital care of the people it serves
and ensure the provision of providing equitable access
to care;
(k) ensure the Hospital is fulfilling the teaching and
research requirements of health and allied sciences
institutions of training;
(l) ensure the Hospital meets its responsibilities to the
Ministry of health;
(m) decide on conditions of service and employment
packages for the staff of the Hospital and to approve staff
establishment and staff development plans prepared by
the management within the financial resources of the
Hospital;
(n) decide the Hospital’s financial policies, consider
and approve the annual budget submitted by the
management and monitor and review financial
statements, authorise major expenditure and appoint
independent auditors for the Hospital;
(o) enter into contracts or memorandum of understanding
with the Ministry of Health, individuals and other
organisations or institution for the better carrying out
of the provisions of this Act;
(p) ensure that, reporting requirements of the Ministry of
Health are met;

s or institution for the better carrying out
of the provisions of this Act;
(p) ensure that, reporting requirements of the Ministry of
Health are met;

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
402
(q) provide guidance and expert advice to the Hospital
management;
(r) approve hospital service regulations within the
parameters of the minimum Ministry of Health’s
requirements;
(s) monitor and promote standards and quality of hospitals
services by taking active interest in the welfare of
patients and promotes medical ethics at all levels in the
Hospital;
(t) establish committees which it considers necessary to
fulfil its responsibilities;
(u) make recommendations to the Minister for his approval
of sitting allowances for Board or any of its committees;
and
(v) do any such act or thing which is necessary for the
better carrying out of its functions or as directed by the
Minister or as provided in this Act. 8.–(1) There shall be an Executive Director of the Hospital who
shall be appointed by the Board and shall be responsible for the
general conduct of the day to day operations, management and
functions of the Hospital and for any other duties as assigned
by the Board.

ible for the
general conduct of the day to day operations, management and
functions of the Hospital and for any other duties as assigned
by the Board.

(2) The Executive Director shall be appointed from among
persons who possess the necessary qualifications, experience
and competence to manage efficiently and effectively the affairs
of the Hospital in accordance with modern management
standards and he shall hold office on such terms and conditions
of service as the Board may specify. (3) For the purposes of assisting the Board to select the
best candidate for appointment of the Executive Director,
a Committee of the Board appointed for that purpose, shall
submit to the Board a short list of candidates who submit their
applications for that office under an open and competitive
system together with an objective assessment of the suitability
of each candidate and the Board shall, from that short list,
appoint the candidate. Executive
Director

with an objective assessment of the suitability
of each candidate and the Board shall, from that short list,
appoint the candidate. Executive
Director

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.403
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
(4) The Executive Director shall hold office for three years
and be eligible for re-appointment. (5) The Board may terminate the appointment of the
Executive Director for-
(a) misconduct;
(b) failure or inability to perform the functions of his office
arising from infirmity of body or mind; or
(c) incompetence. (6) The Executive Director may appeal to the Minister
against any decision or disciplinary action in respect to the
termination of his appointment.

e. (6) The Executive Director may appeal to the Minister
against any decision or disciplinary action in respect to the
termination of his appointment.

(7) The Executive Director shall be the Chief Executive
Officer of the Hospital and exercise any other functions as the
Board may consider necessary to delegate to him to enable
him transact all the day to day business of the Hospital, and
in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing and subject to any directions given by the Board, the
Executive Director shall have power to exercise supervision
and control over acts and proceedings of all employees of the
Hospital and subject to any restrictions that may be imposed
by the Board he shall have power to dispose of all questions
relating to the terms and conditions of the service of the
employee of the Hospital. (8) In the exercise of the powers vested in him by this section
or delegated to him by the Board, the Executive Director shall
comply with any direction of policy or of a general nature
given to him by the Board and shall not, without the prior
approval of the Board, whether given generally or specifically,
depart or permit departure from the approved establishment
of the Hospital or the normal procedures for dealing with a
particular matter. 9.

ifically,
depart or permit departure from the approved establishment
of the Hospital or the normal procedures for dealing with a
particular matter. 9.

Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Board may, appoint
at such salaries and upon such terms and conditions as it may
consider fit, the staff and other employees of the Hospital as
the Board may consider necessary for the proper and efficient
conduct of the business and activities of the Hospital. Staff and other
employees

tal as
the Board may consider necessary for the proper and efficient
conduct of the business and activities of the Hospital. Staff and other
employees

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
404
10. The Board may-
(a) grant gratuities or other retirement allowances or
benefits to the employees of the Hospital;
(b) establish and contribute to a superannuation fund for
the employees of the Hospital; and
(c) require any employee of the Hospital to contribute
to any superannuating fund established and fix the
amounts and method of payment of the contribution. 11.–(1) There shall be a number of directorates, departments
or divisions of the Hospital as the Board may determine. (2) The directorate shall operate as a semi autonomous
costs centre. (3) The Board may empower directorates, divisions,
departments or any organisation in the hospital to operate as
costs centres. (4) The heads of departments of the Hospital shall form a
Committee to be known as the Hospital Executive Committee
and each head of department shall individually be responsible
for the specific function of his respective department
including giving support and supervise division heads under
his department.

ally be responsible
for the specific function of his respective department
including giving support and supervise division heads under
his department.

(5) The Executive Director shall be the Chairman of the
Hospital Executive Committee. (6) The heads of departments shall be appointed by the
Board and be answerable to the Executive Director in the
exercise of their functions. (7) The Hospital Executive shall have power to-
(a) support the Executive Director in fulfilling his role and
responsibilities by ensuring that policies, plans and
decision of the Board are executed;
(b) provide skilled and energetic leadership in order to
fulfil the goals and vision of the Hospital;
(c) oversee the management and delivery of Hospital
services in accordance with the policies of the Board
and Ministry’s protocols and standards;
Superannuation
benefits
Directorates,
departments
or divisions of
Hospital

ance with the policies of the Board
and Ministry’s protocols and standards;
Superannuation
benefits
Directorates,
departments
or divisions of
Hospital

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.405
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E.

ights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.405
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E.

2023]
(d) support and supervise division heads by ensuring
that, they have the necessary authority and capacity
to manage their divisions and shall also hold division
heads fully accountable for the performance of their
divisions and in deciding on the award of incentives,
disincentives, discipline and termination;
(e) ensure proper financial management including
preparation of the departmental budgets and decision
making on the expenditure within the approved budget;
(f) prepare and recommend plans, policies or guidelines
for the consideration of the Executive Director and the
Board;
(g) recommend the overall staff establishment in
collaboration with division head and propose
organisational structure for the Executive Directors
approval and transmission of the same to the Board;
(h) make proposals to the Executive Director on matters
relating to the conduct of the business and activities of
the Hospital; and
(i) perform such other functions as may be delegated to
it by the Executive Director or conferred upon it by
regulations made under this Act.

tal; and
(i) perform such other functions as may be delegated to
it by the Executive Director or conferred upon it by
regulations made under this Act.

(8) The Hospital Executive shall meet at least once a week or
at any direction of the Executive Director and shall report on all
its functions and actions to the Executive Director Committee. 12. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the
Public Service Act, or in any other written law-
(a) the Board shall be the disciplinary authority and the
Minister the final appellate authority in relation to the
Executive Director and other Directors;
(b) the Executive Director shall be the disciplinary
authority and the Board the final appellate authority in
relation to division heads of the Hospital; and
(c) the head of department shall be the disciplinary
authority and the Board the final appellate authority in
relation to all other employees of the Hospital. Discipline
Cap. 298

hall be the disciplinary
authority and the Board the final appellate authority in
relation to all other employees of the Hospital. Discipline
Cap. 298

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
406
PART IV
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
13. The funds and resources of the Hospital shall consist of-
(a) any sums which may be provided for purposes of the
Hospital by Parliament;
(b) any funds or assets which may vest in or accrue to the
Hospital from other sources by way of fees, grants, gifts
or in any other way;
(c) moneys received by the Hospital for goods or services
rendered by the Hospital;
(d) any sums which the Board may, borrow for purposes of
the Hospital; and
(e) any sum or property which may in any manner become
payable to or vest in the Hospital. 14.–(1) There shall be payable to the Hospital by way of block
grants from the public revenue of the United Republic monies
which shall not be tied to any specific items of expenditure
and when the payment is issued, there shall be no further
authorisation other than the authorisation which the Minister
responsible for finance determines as being the costs to be
incurred by the Hospital for the betterment of its functions.

orisation which the Minister
responsible for finance determines as being the costs to be
incurred by the Hospital for the betterment of its functions.

(2) Subject to subsection (1), the amount that is paid to the
Hospital may be by way of conditional or unconditional block
grant. 15.–(1) At least two months before the commencement of
each financial year, the Executive Director with the assistance
of the Hospital Executive shall prepare or cause to be prepared
for the approval of the Board, annual estimates of the revenue
and expenditure of the Hospital for the ensuing financial year. (2) The Board shall, before the commencement of
each financial year, consider and approve, subject to such
modifications, and amendment as it may consider appropriate,
the estimates prepared in accordance with subsection (1). Funds and
resources of
Hospital
Block grants
Annual estimates

s it may consider appropriate,
the estimates prepared in accordance with subsection (1). Funds and
resources of
Hospital
Block grants
Annual estimates

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.407
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
(3) The annual estimates shall contain provision for all the
estimated expenditure during the ensuing financial year and
in particular for-
(a) the payment of salaries, allowances, travel and other
charges in respect of staff of the Hospital;
(b) the payment of costs of materials, equipment and other
charges in respect of services, training, research and
consultancy;
(c) the payment of allowances, fees and expenses in respect
of members of the Board and any other person as it
may deem necessary and appropriate;
(d) the payment of pensions, gratuities and other charges
in respect of retiring benefits which are payable out of
the funds of the Hospital;
(e) the construction, improvement, maintenance and
replacement of any building or other immovable
properties of the Hospital;
(f) the proper maintenance and replacement of the
furniture and equipment of the Hospital; and
(g) the creation of such reserve funds to meet future
contingent liabilities as the Board may think fit.

furniture and equipment of the Hospital; and
(g) the creation of such reserve funds to meet future
contingent liabilities as the Board may think fit.

(4) Hospital expenditure shall not be incurred except in
accordance with the provisions of the annual estimates or in
accordance with the provisions of any supplementary estimates
approved by the Board. (5) A copy of the annual estimates and supplementary
estimate, if any, shall immediately upon the approval of such
annual estimates or, as the case may be, the supplementary
estimates, by the Board, be forwarded to the Minister. 16. The Board may, from time to time, invest any part of the
moneys available in any funds of the Hospital in investments
authorised by the Trustee Investments Act, for the investment
of any trust fund. Investment
Cap. 53

ilable in any funds of the Hospital in investments
authorised by the Trustee Investments Act, for the investment
of any trust fund. Investment
Cap. 53

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
408
17. The Board may, from time to time borrow moneys for
purposes of the Hospital by way of loan or overdraft, and upon
security and terms and condition relating to repayment of the
principal and payment of interest as the Board may consider
fit. 18.–(1) The Board shall cause to be kept proper books of
accounts and shall, within and not later than six months after
the end of each financial year cause to be prepared-
(a) a statement of income and expenditure during such
financial year;
(b) a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Hospital
on the last day of that financial year, to be submitted to
and audited by a competent firm of authorised auditors
appointed by the Board; and
(c) any other such statements as may be required by any
written law. (2) Copies of the statement referred to in subsection (1) and
a copy of the auditor’s report if any, shall be submitted to the
Minister together with a report on the activities of the Hospital
during that financial year. 19.

e auditor’s report if any, shall be submitted to the
Minister together with a report on the activities of the Hospital
during that financial year. 19.

The Minister shall cause to be laid before the National
Assembly as soon as may be practicable, and in any case not
later than twelve months after the close of each financial year,
the following:
(a) copies of the statement referred to in section 18(1)(a);
(b) a copy of the auditor’s report; and
(c) a copy of the Boards report. PART V
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
20. The members of the Board shall be entitled to remuneration,
fees or allowances for expenses as the Minister may, upon the
recommendation of the Board, prescribe. Power of Board to
borrow money
Accounts and
audit
Laying of reports
to National
Assembly
Remuneration
of members of
Board

ion of the Board, prescribe. Power of Board to
borrow money
Accounts and
audit
Laying of reports
to National
Assembly
Remuneration
of members of
Board

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.409
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
21.–(1) The Board may, by writing under the official seal of
the Hospital, appoint committees of the Board and delegate,
subject to such terms, conditions and restrictions as it may
specify, to any Committee of the Board or to any employee
of the Hospital, all or any of the functions, powers or duties
conferred or imposed by or under this Act on the Board and
where any delegation is so made the delegated function, power
or duty may be performed or exercised by the delegate subject
to the terms, conditions and restrictions specified by the Board. (2) A delegation under subsection (1) may be made to
the holder of an office of the Hospital specifying the office
but without naming the holder, and in every case where a
delegation is so made each successive holder of the office in
question and each person who occupies or performs the duties
of that office may, without any further authority, perform or
exercise the delegated function, power or duty in accordance
with the delegation made by the Board.

ice may, without any further authority, perform or
exercise the delegated function, power or duty in accordance
with the delegation made by the Board.

(3) The Board may revoke a delegation made by it under
this section. (4) A delegation made under this section shall not prevent
the Board from itself performing or exercising the function,
power or duty delegated. (5) A delegation made under this section may be published
in the Gazette, and after being published shall be judicially
noticed and presumed to be in force unless the contrary is
proved. (6) The Board shall not have power under this section to
delegate-
(a) its power of delegation; or
(b) the power to approve the annual budget or any
supplementary budget, the annual balance sheet or any
statement of accounts. 22. The Minister may give directions of a general or specific
character to the Board and the directions given shall be
consistent with purposes and provisions of this Act as to
Committees of
Board
Minister may
give directions to
Board

and the directions given shall be
consistent with purposes and provisions of this Act as to
Committees of
Board
Minister may
give directions to
Board

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
410
the performance by the Board of any of its functions and
the Board shall give effect to the direction given by the
Minister. 23. An Act or thing done or omitted to be done by any person
who is a member of the Board or employee or agent or the
Hospital shall not subject a person to any action, liability of
demand of any kind, where done or omitted bona fide in the
execution or purported execution of his duties as a member of
the Board or employee or agent of the Hospital. 24.–(1) With the consent of the Minister, the Board may
make regulations for the better carrying out of purposes and
provisions of this Act.

Hospital. 24.–(1) With the consent of the Minister, the Board may
make regulations for the better carrying out of purposes and
provisions of this Act.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of this section, the
Board may make regulations-
(a) prescribing the conditions and terms upon which any
specified facilities or services or categories of facilities
or services within the scope of the functions of the
Hospital shall be provided to members of the public
and other persons;
(b) fixing the fees, rates and other charges for or in
connection with the provision by the Hospital of any
facilities or services;
(c) providing for the proper management, control and
administration of the Hospital;
(d) providing for and regulating discipline amongst
employees of the Hospital and disciplinary proceedings
against them;
(e) prescribing anything which may be prescribed under
this Act; and
(f) providing for any matter which, in the opinion of
the Board, is necessary to provide for the efficient
performance of the functions of the Hospital. (3) Regulations made under this section shall be published
in the Gazette and where the regulations made are not of
general application, the Board may, in addition to or in lieu
Liability of
members of
Board
Regulations

ette and where the regulations made are not of
general application, the Board may, in addition to or in lieu
Liability of
members of
Board
Regulations

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.411
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
of publication in the Gazette, publish the regulations in
such manner as may, in the opinion of the Board, ensure the
contents of the regulations coming to the notice of the persons
or categories of persons in respect of which they apply and
of the members of the public who might be affected by the
regulations. PART VI
REPEAL, VESTING AND
TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
25. With effect from the date of commencement of this Act, in
this Act referred to as the vesting date, the former Centre shall
be deemed to have been dissolved. 26.–(1) Consequent upon the dissolution of the former Centre,
all assets and liabilities to which the former Centre was entitled
or subject, immediately before the vesting date shall, by virtue
of this section and without further assurance-
(a) in respect of hospital services, be transferred to and
vest in the Hospital; and
(b) in respect of educational and academic matters of
the former Centre, be transferred to and vest in the
University.

o and
vest in the Hospital; and
(b) in respect of educational and academic matters of
the former Centre, be transferred to and vest in the
University.

(2) The Minister shall, within not more than twelve months
from the vesting date and upon advice by the Committee,
by notice published in the Gazette, determine the assets
and liabilities allocated to the Hospital and the University
respectively. (3) A person who, immediately before the vesting date, was
managing the affairs and business of the former Centre shall,
upon and after the vesting date, do all things that are necessary
or desirable, subject to such directions as the Committee
may give for the effectual vesting in accordance with this Act
of the assets and liabilities of the former Centre subsisting
immediately before the vesting date. Dissolution of
former Centre
Vesting of assets
and liabilities

ts and liabilities of the former Centre subsisting
immediately before the vesting date. Dissolution of
former Centre
Vesting of assets
and liabilities

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
412
(4) Where before the vesting date a person who was
responsible for the management of the affairs and business of
the former Centre does or purports to do any lawful act in
relation to the assets and liabilities of the former Centre which
if done after the vesting date would be necessary or desirable
for the more effectual vesting of the assets and liabilities of the
former Centre in the Hospital and the University, such lawful
act shall be deemed to have been done under this Act and its
performance by that person shall not be called into question in
any court by reason only of that act having been done before
the vesting date. (5) Notwithstanding the preceding provisions, a person
shall not, after the coming into operation of this Act, but before
the vesting date, transfer or enter into any transaction which
might, on or after the vesting date, result in the transfer of any
of the assets of the former Centre in any manner other than
that provided for by this Act.

on or after the vesting date, result in the transfer of any
of the assets of the former Centre in any manner other than
that provided for by this Act.

(6) For the avoidance of doubt any reference to-
(a) assets in respect of services to which the former Centre
was entitled to is reference to land, property and choses-
in-action of the Centre whether situated in Tanzania or
elsewhere; and
(b) rights and liabilities in respect of services to which the
former Centre is entitled or subject to is a reference to
rights which the former Centre is entitled or as the case
may be liabilities to which the former Centre is subject
to, whether under the laws of the United Republic
or any country outside Tanzania and includes rights
and liabilities arising under loans raised for services
provided by the Centre. (7) A chose in action transferred by subsection (1) to the
Hospital or the University may, on or after the vesting date,
be sued on, recovered or enforced by the Hospital or the
University, in their names and it shall not be necessary for the
Hospital or the University to give notice to the person bound
by the chose in action of the transfer effected by this subsection.

be necessary for the
Hospital or the University to give notice to the person bound
by the chose in action of the transfer effected by this subsection.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.413
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
(8) An asset and liability transferred by subsection (1) to
the Hospital or the University may, on or after the vesting
date, be sued on, recovered or enforced by or against the
Hospital or the University, in their names and it shall not be
necessary for the Hospital, or the University to give notice
of such transfer to the person whose asset or liability is
transferred by this section. (9) In the case of assets and liabilities arising under any loan
which vest in the Hospital or the University on the vesting
date, the Hospital or the University as the case may be, may
enter into any arrangements or agreements over any rights and
liabilities with the Government of the United Republic or any
other third party.

be, may
enter into any arrangements or agreements over any rights and
liabilities with the Government of the United Republic or any
other third party.

(10) An assets and liabilities of the former Centre which are
not vested either in the Hospital or the University shall, at the
end of the transitional period, be dealt with by the Committee
in such manner which the Minister upon consultation with
the Minister responsible for higher education, direct. (11) A person who fails or refuses to comply with the
provisions of this section commits an offence and on conviction
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand
shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years
or to both. 27.–(1) There shall be a transitional period of not more than
twenty four months within which, subject to this Act, all
necessary measures shall be taken to facilitate the winding up
of the affairs and business of the former Centre, the effectual
transfer and vesting of its assets and liabilities and the transfer
of and discharge of the affairs of the employees of the former
Centre. (2) The Minister may extend the transitional period for
not more than six months after the expiration of the period
specified in subsection (1). Transitional
period
Act No. 5 of 2002 Sch.

itional period for
not more than six months after the expiration of the period
specified in subsection (1). Transitional
period
Act No. 5 of 2002 Sch.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
414
28.–(1) There is hereby established a Committee to be known
as the Transition Management Committee which shall consist
of-
(a) a Chairman who shall be appointed by the Minister
after consultation with the Minister responsible for
higher education;
(b) the Attorney General or his representative;
(c) the Director General of the former Centre;
(d) Treasury Registrar or his representative;
(e) the Principal of the University; and
(f) two other senior members appointed by the Minister
one from the Ministry of Health and one from the
Ministry responsible for higher education. (2) The Committee shall, subject to directions as the
Minister may from time to time issue in that behalf, regulate
the procedure for the conduct of its business and be answerable
to the Minister for the overall conduct of the transitional
functions referred to in this section.

e for the conduct of its business and be answerable
to the Minister for the overall conduct of the transitional
functions referred to in this section.

(3) Notwithstanding the generality of the preceding
provisions, the Committee shall-
(a) complete the transfer of all assets and liabilities to
the Hospital or the University and deal with any such
matters incidental to the transfer as are necessary
within the specified period;
(b) transfer all employees and affairs of the former Centre
to the Hospital or the University in the manner set out
under the proceeding provisions; and
(c) deal with any residual property, assets and liabilities of
the former Centre in any manner that shall be deemed
expedient. (4) All the expenses of the Committee shall be funded
by the Ministry responsible for health and the Ministry
responsible for higher education and be finally recovered from
the accounts of the Hospital and the University as winding up
expenses and the Committee and its staff shall be paid such
fees, salaries and allowances as the Minister shall, upon advice
of the Committee, determine. Appointment
of Transition
Management
Committee

paid such
fees, salaries and allowances as the Minister shall, upon advice
of the Committee, determine. Appointment
of Transition
Management
Committee

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.415
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
29.–(1) Subject to this Act, the employees of the former Centre
shall with effect from the vesting date be transferred to and be
employed by the Hospital or the University. (2) The Committee shall, not later than the end of the
transitional period and with the approval of the Minister,
finally determine which of the employees of the former Centre
shall be employed by the Hospital, or the University. (3) With effect from the vesting date-
(a) the Hospital shall accept into its employment, subject
to this Act, every person who immediately before the
vesting date was employed by the former Centre in its
hospital services and is designated by the Committee
for employment by the Hospital; and
(b) the University shall accept into its employment, subject
to this Act, every person who immediately before the
vesting date was employed by the former Centre and is
designated by the Committee for employment by the
University.

person who immediately before the
vesting date was employed by the former Centre and is
designated by the Committee for employment by the
University.

30.–(1) With effect from the vesting date, an employee
transferred from the former Centre shall be employed by
the new employer on terms not less favourable than those
applicable to him before his transfer. (2) Until the time as new schemes and terms and conditions
of service are drawn up by the Hospital or University, the
schemes and terms and conditions of service in the former
Centre shall continue to apply to a person transferred under
subsection (1) to the services of the Hospital or the University
as if he was still in the service of the former Centre. (3) Where a person who is transferred to the service of the
Hospital or the University under subsection (1) is a member of
any statutory or voluntary pension scheme or provident fund
he shall, for purposes of this Act, continue to be governed by
the same regulations under those schemes or funds as if he
had not been transferred to the service of the Hospital or the
University and for purposes of the regulations governing those
Provisions
regarding
former Centres’
employees
Provisions
applicable to
transferred staff

iversity and for purposes of the regulations governing those
Provisions
regarding
former Centres’
employees
Provisions
applicable to
transferred staff

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
416
schemes, his services with the Hospital or the University shall
be deemed to be service in the former Centre. (4) The Hospital or the University shall continue to be liable
to former employees of the former Centre or its predecessors,
who have retired on or before vesting date to such pension
benefits payable as they are entitled to under the regulations of
those pension schemes.

s,
who have retired on or before vesting date to such pension
benefits payable as they are entitled to under the regulations of
those pension schemes.

31.–(1) Where on vesting date-
(a) any disciplinary proceedings have been initiated
against any employee of the former Centre and such
proceedings are still pending before the former Centre
or in the course of being heard or investigated by the
former Centre or had been heard or investigated by
the former Centre and no order or decision had been
rendered thereon; or
(b) any such employee has been interdicted or suspended,
the Hospital or the University as the case may be, shall-
(i) in the case of paragraph (a), carry on and complete
the hearing or investigation and make an order or
render a decision, as the case may be; and
(ii) in the case of paragraph (b), deal with such
employee in such manner as it thinks appropriate
bearing regard to the offence against him,
including the institution and completion of
disciplinary proceedings and the making of an
order or the rendering of a decision as the case
may be,
as if such disciplinary proceedings had been commenced by
the Hospital or the University to which the employee would
be employed.

as the case
may be,
as if such disciplinary proceedings had been commenced by
the Hospital or the University to which the employee would
be employed.

(2) Where on vesting date, any penalty (other than
dismissal) has been imposed on any employee of the former
Centre pursuant to disciplinary proceedings against him
and the penalty has not been or remains to be served by
such employee, he shall on his transfer to the Hospital or the
Continuation
and completion
of disciplinary
proceedings

been or remains to be served by
such employee, he shall on his transfer to the Hospital or the
Continuation
and completion
of disciplinary
proceedings

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.417
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
University, serve or continue to serve such penalty to its full
term as if it had been imposed by the Hospital or the University
and the penalty shall remain valid against the employee on his
transfer and shall continue in full force and effect until he has
served the penalty in full. 32.–(1) [Repeals of the Muhimbili Medical Centre Act No. 17
of 1976]. (2) Notwithstanding the repeals of the Muhimbili Medical
Centre Act, all subsidiary legislation made under it in force
immediately before the vesting date and which is required for
the continuation of the business of the Centre shall continue in
force until they are revoked or replaced. SCHEDULE
(Made under section 6(2))
COMPOSITION AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD
1.

the Centre shall continue in
force until they are revoked or replaced. SCHEDULE
(Made under section 6(2))
COMPOSITION AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD
1.

The Board shall consist of-
(a) the Chairman who shall be appointed by the President;
(b) a Vice-Chairman appointed by the members from among
the members of the Board;
(c) the Mayor of the Dar es Salaam City Council;
(d) the Principal of the Muhimbili University College of Health
Sciences;
(e) a representative of workers’ union;
(f) a legally qualified person employed in the Office of the
Attorney General nominated by the Attorney General;
(g) three other members appointed by the Minister; and
(h) two other members appointed by the Minister from among
experienced persons in hospital management. 2.–(1) A member other than an ex officio member shall, unless his
appointment is sooner determined or he otherwise ceases to be a
member, hold office for a period of three years from the date of his
appointment and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one further
term. (2) An ex officio member shall cease to be a member upon his
ceasing to hold the office by virtue of which he is a member. Repeal and
savings
Composition of
Board
Tenure of
appointment

se to be a member upon his
ceasing to hold the office by virtue of which he is a member. Repeal and
savings
Composition of
Board
Tenure of
appointment

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
418
(3) A member other than an ex officio member may at any time
resign by giving notice in writing to the appointing authority and from
the date specified in the notice or where no date is so specified, from
the date of the receipt of the notice by the appointing authority, he shall
cease to be a member. 3.–(1) Where any member other than an ex officio member is, by
reason of illness or any other cause, absent from the United Republic or
is unable to perform his duties as a member, the appointing authority
may appoint a temporary member in his place and the temporary
member shall cease to hold office upon the resumption of office of the
substantive member. (2) Where an ex officio member is unable to perform his duties as
a member for any sufficient cause he may appoint a person from the
organisation or institution which he represents to represent him during
the period of his incapacity. 4. The Executive Director shall be the Secretary of the Board.

r institution which he represents to represent him during
the period of his incapacity. 4. The Executive Director shall be the Secretary of the Board.

5.–(1) Subject to any general or specific direction by the Minister, the
Board shall meet not less than four times during every financial year
and at such additional times as may be fixed by the Chairman or, where
he is absent from the United Republic or unable for any sufficient cause
to act, the Vice-Chairman. (2) An ordinary meeting of the Board shall be convened by the
Chairman and the notice specifying the place, date and time of the
meeting shall be sent to each member at his usual place of business
or residence not less than ten days before the date of the meeting and
where the Chairman is unable to act by reason of illness or any other
cause or is absent from the United Republic, the Vice-Chairman may
convene the meeting. (3) The Chairman or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman shall
be bound to convene a special meeting of the Board upon receipt of
a request in writing in that behalf signed by not less than half of the
members and a notice of not less than ten days shall be given to all
members in the manner prescribed in subparagraph (2).

y not less than half of the
members and a notice of not less than ten days shall be given to all
members in the manner prescribed in subparagraph (2).

(4) The Chairman, the Vice-Chairman or a temporary chairman
elected in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph 6 presiding
at any meeting of the Board may invite any person who is not a member
to participate in the deliberations of the Board, but any person so invited
shall not be entitled to vote. (5) The Chairman shall preside at every meeting of the Board and in
the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall preside. Appointment
of temporary
member
Secretary
Meetings

at every meeting of the Board and in
the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall preside. Appointment
of temporary
member
Secretary
Meetings

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.419
THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
(6) In the absence of both the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman
from any meeting, the members present shall elect one of their number
to be a temporary chairman of that meeting. (7) At any meeting of the Board, a decision of the majority of the
members present and voting shall be deemed to be a decision of the
Board and in the event of an equality of votes, the Chairman of the
meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to his deliberative vote. (8) The Board may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its
membership. 6. One half of the total number of members shall form a quorum for a
meeting of the Board. 7.

d may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its
membership. 6. One half of the total number of members shall form a quorum for a
meeting of the Board. 7.

Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 6, where the Chairman
or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman so directs, a decision may be made
by the Board without a meeting by circulation of the relevant papers
among all members and the expression in writing of the views of the
majority of the members, but any member shall be entitled to require
that the decision be deferred and the subject matter be considered at a
meeting of the Board. 8. Minutes in proper form of each meeting of the Board shall be kept
and confirmed by the Board at the next meeting and signed by the
Chairman of the meeting. 9.–(1) The official seal of the Hospital shall be of such shape, size and
form as the Board may determine. (2) The official seal of the Hospital shall not be affixed to any
instrument of document except in the presence of the Secretary or
such other employee of the Hospital as the Board may appoint in that
behalf. 10.

any
instrument of document except in the presence of the Secretary or
such other employee of the Hospital as the Board may appoint in that
behalf. 10.

All regulation, appointments, instruments or documents made,
issued or executed by or on behalf of the Hospital or the Board shall be
sealed with the official seal of the Hospital and signed by-
(a) the Chairman of the Board;
(b) the Secretary; or
(c) any other member of the Board or employee of the Hospital
authorised in writing in that behalf by the Board. 11. An act or proceeding of the Board shall not be invalid by reason
of any defect or irregularity in the appointment of any member or by
reason that any person purported bona fide to act as a member at the
time of the act or proceeding was in fact disqualified or not entitled to
act as a member. Quorum
Decision by
circulation of
papers
Minutes of
meetings
Official seal of
Hospital
Execution of
documents
Proceedings not
invalidated by
irregularity

rum
Decision by
circulation of
papers
Minutes of
meetings
Official seal of
Hospital
Execution of
documents
Proceedings not
invalidated by
irregularity

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL ACT [CAP. 150 R.E. 2023]
420
12. Where any member other than an ex officio member absents himself
from three consecutive meetings of the Board without sufficient cause,
the Board shall advise the appointing authority of the fact and the
appointing authority may terminate the appointment of the member
and appoint another member in his place.
13. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, the Board shall have
power to regulate its own proceedings.
Absence from
three consecutive
meetings
Board may
regulate its own
proceedings