Many Tanzanians feel deep sadness after Professor Philemon Sarungi died Wednesday evening. The famous surgeon, medical teacher, and former government minister touched countless lives through his work. People from all walks of life have shared their memories of him. They remember him as someone who worked hard, showed great skill, and led by example.
Former Minister Professor Anna Tibaijuka spoke about the huge loss for Tanzania. She pointed out that Sarungi helped his country not just as a doctor but also as a champion for women's rights. Mr. Kimiti, who leads the Former Regional Commissioners Unit, talked about Sarungi's amazing abilities. He explained how Sarungi succeeded in several government departments outside his medical background, including Defense and Education.
Sarangi made a big mark at the Ministry of Health, where his medical knowledge proved very useful. Mr. Kimiti mentioned they were close friends for many years. He shared how Sarungi once recommended taking his child to India for spine surgery because Tanzania lacked proper equipment. Kimiti also remembered valuable advice from Sarungi about work ethics: "Play with your salary, not with the job you're entrusted with," meaning your job should come first because it enables your income.
Mohamed Dewji, a business leader and head of Simba Sports Club, expressed his loss. He described Sarungi as both a friend and a devoted sports fan. Family spokesman Martin Sarungi confirmed that heart disease caused the professor's death at age 88 in Dar es Salaam. The family faces double grief as Emmanuel Sarungi, the professor's younger brother, died in Mwanza after hearing about his sibling's passing. Professor Sarungi was born March 23, 1936, in Tarime Mara and spent his life improving public health services across Tanzania.
Former Minister Professor Anna Tibaijuka spoke about the huge loss for Tanzania. She pointed out that Sarungi helped his country not just as a doctor but also as a champion for women's rights. Mr. Kimiti, who leads the Former Regional Commissioners Unit, talked about Sarungi's amazing abilities. He explained how Sarungi succeeded in several government departments outside his medical background, including Defense and Education.
Sarangi made a big mark at the Ministry of Health, where his medical knowledge proved very useful. Mr. Kimiti mentioned they were close friends for many years. He shared how Sarungi once recommended taking his child to India for spine surgery because Tanzania lacked proper equipment. Kimiti also remembered valuable advice from Sarungi about work ethics: "Play with your salary, not with the job you're entrusted with," meaning your job should come first because it enables your income.
Mohamed Dewji, a business leader and head of Simba Sports Club, expressed his loss. He described Sarungi as both a friend and a devoted sports fan. Family spokesman Martin Sarungi confirmed that heart disease caused the professor's death at age 88 in Dar es Salaam. The family faces double grief as Emmanuel Sarungi, the professor's younger brother, died in Mwanza after hearing about his sibling's passing. Professor Sarungi was born March 23, 1936, in Tarime Mara and spent his life improving public health services across Tanzania.
