Over 100bn/- needed to upgrade 532 health centres

DODOMA: THE government requires 102.28bn/- to upgrade and expand a total of 532 old health centres across the country, the National Assembly was told.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (health), Dr Jafar Seif, said the centres were identified after a nationwide assessment established that they were dilapidated and lacked key infrastructure.

He was responding to a basic question from Hai MP Saashisha Mafuwe (CCM), who wanted to know when the government would renovate Masama Health Centre and staff houses at the facility. Dr Seif said Masama Health Centre, built in 1979, has limited and worn-out infrastructure and urgently requires major rehabilitation.

According to him, the centre needs an outpatient department (OPD) building, a laboratory, maternity ward, theatre, laundry unit, incinerator, external toilets and staff houses.

“The government has assessed and identified 532 old health centres that require expansion and rehabilitation, and a total of 102.28bn/- is needed for the exercise,” he said.

Dr Seif assured the House that the government will continue allocating funds for rehabilitating old health facilities, including Masama Health Centre.

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Responding to a supplementary question from Kilolo MP Ritha Kabati (CCM), Dr Seif said funds have already been earmarked and that the renovation will start after the completion of all other required procedures.

He was responding to a supplementary question posed by Ms Kabati on when the government would implement its pledge to construct strategic health centres.

He revealed that 30bn/- has been set aside for the construction of 120 strategic health centres in 120 constituencies, while additional funds have been requested for similar facilities in 94 constituencies, including new ones.

“The government continues to set aside resources, and 30bn/- has already been budgeted for 120 strategic health centres in various constituencies. The implementation will continue in other areas,” he said.