BMH, ministry partner to enhance workplace wellness

DODOMA: THE Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) has successfully conducted a two-day health outreach at the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, focusing on raising awareness, early detection of diseases, and promoting a healthier, more productive workforce.

The programme involved free screening for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, mental health conditions, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
A total of 98 ministry employees benefited from the services, which also included health education sessions on disease prevention and wellness.

Speaking during the exercise, the ministry’s Coordinator for HIV/AIDS and Non-Communicable Diseases, Ms Salome Lubasa said the workplace health guideline on HIV/AIDS and NCDs has proved highly beneficial to employees.

“Staff had the opportunity to undergo health checks right at their offices here in Mtumba. They learned about their health status and received education on preventive measures, which helps improve both physical and mental well-being and enhances work efficiency,” she said.

The ministry’s Telephone Communications Supervisor, Azya Mkasha commended the initiative, noting that the knowledge gained will help employees adopt healthier lifestyles.

“The education we received will help us embrace better eating habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This will strengthen our overall health and, ultimately, improve productivity at the workplace,” she said.

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Meanwhile, BMH Internal Medicine Specialist Dr Happy Kassim applauded the strong turnout from ministry employees, saying it reflected growing awareness of the importance of regular health checkups.

He encouraged other ministries and institutions to emulate the initiative by organising similar workplace health screening and education programmes, noting that many public servants have demanding schedules that limit their access to healthcare.

“Such programmes are crucial because they bring health services closer to employees, ensuring early detection, treatment, and prevention of diseases,” Dr Kassim said.

The health camp forms part of ongoing efforts by BMH and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups to strengthen workplace wellness and promote a healthy, productive workforce.