Table 1 Provision of clinical services at the primary level of health systems in Tanzania

Assistant Clinical Officer (ACO)

Certificate

Two years

Dispensary

To provide health care for the sick, promote health education, and community mobilisation functions

Clinical Officer (CO)

Diploma

Three years (ACO plus one year)

Dispensary, and Health Centre

To provide health care for the sick, promote health education, and perform administration and community mobilisation functions, particularly for those heading dispensaries

Assistant Medical Officer (AMO)

Advanced Diploma

Five years (CO plus two years)

Health Centre and District Hospital

To provide clinical care to all patients, to perform minor surgeries and emergency obstetric and surgical care at the district level and below. To perform administration and community mobilization functions, particularly for those heading health centres and supervision of lower cadres

Medical Officers

Doctor of Medicine Degree

Five years post advanced secondary education or after CO or AMO education with at least B grade.

Health centre and all level hospitals

To provide clinical care to all patients, to provide obstetric and surgical care. To perform administration and resources mobilization functions, particularly for those heading health centres, hospitals and even districts.