MOI seeks to empower zonal doctors to reduce overdependence

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe, has called on the Muhimbili Orthopedic and Brain Institute (MOI) to build the capacity of doctors at regional and zonal hospitals to minimize overdependence on MOI for the treatment.

Dr Shekalaghe said this when he visited the Institute on a working visit with the aim to review he state of service delivery.

“I have been told that you receive 500 patients per day, of which only 150 are qualified to be treated at MOI, and 350 could be treated at regional and zonal hospitals. Now, I ask you to build capacity in Dar es Salaam hospitals first.

He added, “This will help reduce the congestion of patients here at MOI,” Dr. Shekalaghe emphasized.

He said the ministry commends MOI for the great and good work they are doing, and they recognize their work and we appreciate it, while emphasizing the development of unity, solidarity, and love in the workplace so that they increase their efforts in serving Tanzanians.

“We have spoken to the citizens there, and they commend them. This is something to be proud of; make sure that these minor problems are resolved quickly. The issue of expanding the ICU is a very important matter, because there are people who are forced to wait for two weeks to be operated on while waiting for an ICU bed. We, the ministry, are ready to support them, including that of the children’s ICU.”

For his part, the Medical Director of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ahmad Nyembea, said the government has invested in infrastructure and medical equipment in regional, zonal and national hospitals to ensure that Tanzanians receive quality services close to their areas and that it is the responsibility of the MOI to build the capacity of specialists in those hospitals.

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The Executive Director of the MOI, Ambassador, Dr. Mpoki Ulisubisya, stated that the MOI is grateful to the Government for continuing to improve the environment for providing MOI services, as well as paying salaries to staff as well and building the capacity of specialists through SET training so that they can provide better services to the citizens.

In addition, Dr. Mpoki has informed the Secretary General that the MOI Institute has received all the instructions and that the management will work on them, and the information will be submitted to the ministry as directed.