Mobile medical services at BMH to relieve rural dwellers

DODOMA: PERSONS living in the remote areas may now have a reason to smile after the Minister for Health, Jenister Mhagama, launched a new mobile medical service at the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) whereas modern vehicles will be providing surgical services in complicated environment.

The three vehicles which were provided by a Netherlands-based company, SOTA Convoys (SOTAC), will be providing surgical services to clinically difficult places for three consecutive months before the company repossesses them.

According to the Executive Director of BMH, Professor Abel Makubi, the three medical vehicles which are designed for rugged, remote terrain, capable of driving to areas of need will provide services in Dodoma, Tabora and Kigoma Regions in the mainland as well as Unguja and Pemba in the Isles.

Also, Prof Makubi noted, in complementing President Samia Suluhu Hassan government’s efforts in marketing medical tourism, the mobile medical service will be extended to the neighbouring country of Burundi so as to attract persons from that country to come for BMH medical services.

At the similar occasion, Ms Mhagama launched the country’s first ever Emergency Care Training Centre at the BMH, which, apart from offering emergence medical services will be training medics from across the country.

Immediately after launching the centre, the minister said the medical facility was very important especially this time when the country is on its preparations to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments for 2027.

“This centre will help in reducing emergence deaths as well as helping health workers to obtain skills,’’ she said. The centre was constructed by the government in partnership with an international medical organisation, ABBOTT.

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The minister further expressed the government’s commitment to upgrading the BMH from the zonal hospital status to become the second national hospital after the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH).

During the similar event, the BMH also launched its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Service and Business Plan, Client Service Charter as well as the Radio call system aimed at strengthening communications among top leaders within the hospital’s management.

Following the launching of the radio call system at BMH, Ms Mhagama directed the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health to issue a directive to all major medical facilities so that they can emulate the creativity initiated by BMH.

“This will reduce the use of individual mobile phones while on duty as well as intensifying accountability,’’ noted the minister.