Govt pledges more reforms at MNH

• PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has said that the sixth phase government is continuing to undertake major reforms at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) so that the heath facility can provide quality services.

The PM said in fulfilling the commitment, the government recently dished out funds for procuring modern medical equipment including an MRI machine which can be used to patients with metal implants.

“In line with better services provided by our health experts the government continues to undertake major reforms in our national hospital so that it can continue providing better and modern services,” he said.

The Premier revealed that in Dar es Salaam yesterday after touring the national hospital where he spoke to patients and nurses who informed him that they were satisfied with the quality of services provided by the modern health facility.

Majaliwa on his part expressed his satisfaction with the medical services provided at the hospital, commending the health personnel for serving the patients professionally and efficiently.

Commenting on the cost of medical treatment which has raised complaints from relatives of the patients admitted to the hospital, he said universal health coverage scheme is going to provide permanent solution to the problem.

The PM also called upon Tanzanians who fail to meet medical costs to present their concerns to the social welfare office at the hospital so that they can be assisted on what to do, including looking into the possibility of being granted healthcare exemption.

For his part, MNH Executive Director Prof Mohammed Janabi asked patients who are incapable of paying the bills to follow procedures for them to benefit from the exemptions.

“Every month the hospital grants financial amnesty amounting to over one billion for those who aren’t in a position to pay their bills,” he said.

Speaking separately, some of the citizens who are taking care of their relatives at Muhimbili hospital commended the hospital for providing good services, noting that they have never been asked for bribes.

“We aren’t being asked for corruption, the only challenge we have been facing here is the high cost of medication,” said one of the relatives, Abia Mjule, thanking the government for improving infrastructure at the national hospital.

My grandchild was admitted on November 23 this year with cardiac complications, we were supposed to pay 4.26m/-, but after bargaining we were asked to pay half of the total cost and the remaining amount was paid by the government,” she said.