OVER 200 nurses from Chalinze District, Coast Region, have been provided with gas cylinders and stoves, a move aimed at making them reduce the time they spend collecting firewood or charcoal for cooking.
Instead, it would allow them to dedicate more time to caring for offering healthcare services in the district.
The donation was given yesterday by the Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited in collaboration with the Doris Mollel Foundation.
During the handover ceremony at Msoga Hospital, Chalinze MP and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment, and People with Disabilities), Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, commended Oryx and the Doris Mollel Foundation for supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s clean energy campaign.
Mr Ridhiwani highlighted how this initiative would significantly benefit nurses and their patients.
“Nurses receiving these gas cylinders will now have more time to attend to mothers and their premature babies instead of worrying about gathering firewood or using charcoal, which wastes time,” he said.
He emphasized the broader impact on environmental conservation, noting that excessive charcoal use had contributed to deforestation in Chalinze.
“This donation supports both our healthcare sector and our efforts to preserve the environment.”
The Minister also pointed out that Chalinze had been a major source of charcoal, especially for Dar es Salaam, leading to severe deforestation.
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With this gas donation, nurses can lead by example and promote the use of clean energy, thus safeguarding the environment.
Mr Evarist Kisaka, representing OGTL, explained that the gas cylinders were given to ensure nurses had ample time to focus on caring for babies, avoiding the delays caused by sourcing traditional fuel. He also stressed that using gas is more cost-effective and healthier than using charcoal or firewood.
Ms Alice Mwakatika from the Doris Mollel Foundation highlighted the global campaign for clean cooking energy, which has gained momentum under President Samia’s leadership.
She added that nurses would act as ambassadors of clean energy, educating the public on its benefits.
Chalinze District Chief Nurse Gabriela Mtwale thanked Oryx and pledged to raise awareness among healthcare workers about the advantages of clean cooking energy.
She reiterated the importance of adopting safer and environmentally friendly cooking methods, as emphasized by President Samia.