PCCB donates medical equipment to Tumbi Hospital in a bid to curb neonatal deaths  

KIBAHA: THE Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) has donated modern medical equipment to Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital in the Coast Region in its commitment to help improve the care, welfare, and growth of premature babies.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the hospital, PCCB Director Crispin Chalamila said the equipment was provided to support the government’s efforts to reduce neonatal deaths in the country.

He said the donation is part of the institution’s continued efforts to support various hospitals nationwide, noting that the funds used to purchase the equipment came from voluntary contributions by PCCB staff.

“PCCB employees collectively agreed to contribute a portion of their salaries to facilitate the purchase of these machines. So far, we have already delivered similar equipment to hospitals in eight regions across the country,” Chalamila said.

He added that PCCB’s goal is to continue providing such support to hospitals nationwide and called on other government institutions, the private sector, and individuals to support government efforts in combating infant mortality.

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On her part, the Head of the Pediatric Department at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital, Adelina Rutashobya, said in 2025 the hospital received 1,393 children, of whom 370 were born prematurely, equivalent to 27 percent.

She explained that among these children, 173 were diagnosed with heart conditions, while 61 passed away. She added that 10 percent of the children were referred to other facilities, 80.8 percent were discharged after receiving treatment, but a major challenge remains the shortage of medical equipment and medicines for premature babies.

“The existing shortage includes neonatal intensive care monitoring machines, infusion pumps, as well as drugs used to help mature the lungs of premature babies,” Rutashobya said.

Meanwhile, PCCB Coast Region Commander Domina Mkama said the institution has been working closely with Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital on various issues, including the provision of education on corruption and health matters.

For his part, the Medical Officer in Charge of Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Aman Malima, thanked PCCB for the donation, saying the equipment is vital in improving healthcare services for premature babies and pledged that the hospital would properly maintain and use the donated equipment.