MNH gets 4bn/- for the construction of the 21bn/-private ward building

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government  has allocated  4bn/- to Muhimbili National Hospital so that it can continue the construction of a four-floor  private ward building worth 21bn/-

Speaking today, when the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and AIDS Affairs visited the hospital, Deputy Minister of Health Dr Florence Samizi said the move is to ensure that all stalled projects are continued as directed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

“The private service building stood for a long time and the President’s instructions were for the stalled projects to be completed before starting other projects. The ministry has already allocated funds to complete the building. It will have four floors and will be built at  21bn/- . The stalled projects will be completed,” She explained.

She also said the government is going to build a new Muhimbili to make good use of the area by building a building that will cost 1.3 trillion/-.

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“The building is expected to take seven years from this year to 2032, and all Muhimbili services will be placed in one place. We will have a large common building and we will make better use of it.

Dr Samizi said the construction of the new Muhimbili will not affect the provision of existing services as they will be provided as usual and after completing the buildings they will receive international accreditation and medical tourism will grow.

She said one of the challenges is the shortage of staff and citizens who see them staying for a long time, which has been implemented and will continue to be implemented.

“But let me remind you that President Samia promises to increase staff. So far, I have officially announced that 5,000 health workers have been hired, 250 are still working, and the President has promised to continue announcing additional staff at all times.

For his part, the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Health and AIDS Affairs, Dr. Johannes Lukumay, said the hospital provides expert services and urged citizens to use those services appropriately.

“Citizens have acknowledged that the services are good, and the indigent are receiving medical exemptions. There are modern facilities in the hospital, which has 18 operating rooms and is being renovated in phases. The maternity and children’s ward will be modern and will cost Sh1 billion.

He added, “They have renovated the Kibasila ward, the insurance building, and the hospital is conducting major health research. It is currently researching a drug to prevent blood clots in mothers who have given birth.”

He has asked the Ministry of Health to see how funds are available for the projects to be completed.