Mozambique's health system is coordinated by the Ministry of Health (MISAU), managing central hospitals, provincial hospitals, health centers, and national vaccination and prevention programs.
According to the MISAU 2024 Statistical Health Yearbook (Anuário Estatístico de Saúde), Mozambique had 73 public hospitals organized in a referral pyramid: health centers, district hospitals, general/provincial hospitals, and four quaternary central hospitals.
Private clinics exist in major cities. This guide is for information only and does not replace medical advice. For serious emergencies, go to the nearest public referral hospital.
National referral central hospitals
MISAU identifies four central hospitals: Maputo Central Hospital, Beira Central Hospital, Nampula Central Hospital, and Quelimane Central Hospital. These facilities receive complex cases referred from provincial and district units nationwide.
Maputo Central Hospital serves as the main quaternary unit in Maputo City. Expatriates and visitors in Maputo often use private clinics for routine care, but central hospitals remain the referral option for serious emergencies and specialized surgery.
- Maputo Central Hospital; national quaternary referral (MISAU)
- Beira Central Hospital; referral for the central region
- Nampula Central Hospital; referral for the north
- Quelimane Central Hospital; referral for Zambézia province
Healthcare for expatriates and visitors
Most expatriates combine international health insurance with private clinics in Maputo, Matola, and provincial capitals. The public National Health Service (SNS) covers registered citizens and residents; foreigners should confirm access conditions and payment rules with MISAU or the local health unit.
The National Statistics Institute (INE) projected about 33.2 million residents in 2024, with roughly one third in urban areas; demand on Maputo facilities is the highest in the country.
- Arrange insurance with hospital cover and medical evacuation before relocating
- Keep policy documents, passport or DIRE, and payment proof for private clinics
- Routine care: register at your local health center if using the public SNS
- Emergencies: nearest public referral hospital or private facility with emergency services
