PM puts negligent health workers on notice

KATAVI: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has issued a stern warning to negligent health workers, stressing the importance of professionalism, integrity and dedication in the workplace.

Dr Nchemba also directed that the construction of the Wing B service building at Katavi Regional Referral Hospital be completed on time and in accordance with the required quality standards.

Speaking during his visit to the hospital yesterday, the Prime Minister commended staff who have been diligently serving the public, noting that the country’s development depends on committed and professional workers.

“Those who are working with professionalism and dedication should continue with the same spirit. However, those who show negligence will face appropriate action from the government,” he said.

Dr Nchemba noted that Tanzania is among the countries with highly skilled health workers in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), reiterating that any employee found negligent in their duties will face disciplinary action.

He further said that the government has already ensured the availability of funds for the implementation of the project.

“We expect the project to be completed on time and according to the required standards. The government has already released funds for the project, and I do not expect to see any outstanding payments to those involved in the construction,” he said.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that for nearly 60 years after independence, districts in Katavi Region did not have district hospitals.

He said the ongoing construction of several health facilities in the region has been made possible under the sixth phase government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Providing an update on the project, Katavi Regional Referral Hospital Medical Officer in Charge, Dr Deogratias Banuba, said construction of the Wing B service building is estimated to cost about 13.28bn/-, with the project currently at 59 per cent completion.

Dr Banuba said the project began on February 14, 2023, and is expected to be completed by December 13, 2026. Once completed, the building will enable the hospital to establish maternity wards, operating theatres and a paediatric ward, services that are currently unavailable at the facility.

He added that the hospital currently has 475 staff members, representing 61.5 per cent of the required workforce.

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It also has 13 medical specialists across various fields, with plans to increase the number to 17 by 2030. Specialised services currently offered at the hospital include maternal and child health, surgery, orthopaedics and trauma care, ear, nose and throat services, anaesthesia, mental health, ophthalmology, radiology and dialysis.

In a related development, Katavi Special Seats Member of Parliament, Tasker Mbogo requested the government to construct a patient waiting bay, a mortuary and a perimeter fence for the hospital.

Responding to the request, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Reuben Kwagila, said the government plans to allocate about 2bn/- for the construction of additional wards, a mortuary, procurement of medical equipment and the building of a fence around the hospital.

The completion of the project is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services for residents of Katavi Region and neighbouring areas, particularly in maternal and child health services and specialised medical care.

During the visit, the Prime Minister also directed Katavi Regional Commissioner Mwanamvua Mrindoko to ensure close supervision of the project so that it is completed on schedule and meets the required standards.