PM stresses passion in serving patients

ZANZIBAR: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has emphasised that health professionals must continue to operate with honesty and commitment.

Buildings and medical equipment, he added, were one thing, but enhancing the community’s access to highquality services required empathy, love, and professionalism.

Mr Majaliwa made the call on Thursday while inaugurating the district hospital at Pangatupu – North Unguja B District. The ceremony not only marked the unveiling of a state-of-the-art healthcare facility but underscored the commitment of Zanzibar’s health workers to providing quality services with utmost professionalism.

In his address, Mr Majaliwa stressed that the hospital’s construction, costing 6.7bn/- , is a tangible embodiment of President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s vision to invest in the health sector for the welfare of the society.

The facility, with a capacity to serve over 100,000 people in 31 Shehia, is expected to significantly reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for health services. Mr Majaliwa announced an additional step towards ensuring the success of the new hospital by instructing the Ministry of Health to conduct a comprehensive assessment of its needs.

“This includes the crucial task of allocating the necessary staff, including doctors, nurses, and other professionals, to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the community.,” he said.

He added, “It is the mission of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the vision of Dr Hussein to strengthen health infrastructure sector to ensure that people receive services in a better environment and at acceptable levels.” The Premier further said that the hospital will help offer best medical services, especially specialist services that are provided at the district hospital level.

“The available infrastructure in this hospital will enable medical camps for specialist and emergency services to be held here with great success instead of only being held in hospitals located in cities,” he said.

Zanzibar Minister of Health, Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, echoed the PM’s sentiments of prioritising work integrity.

He emphasised that the inauguration of the hospital is not just about adding beds or expanding infrastructure; rather it is an opportunity to strengthen the commitment of healthcare workers to serve the community with unwavering dedication.

He said that during the 60th anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, the number of beds for patients has increased from 1,445 to 2,645, the number of intensive care units (ICU) has increased from one to 14, operating rooms have increased from 11 to 35, of which 13 are for expectant mothers, and emergency services units have increased from 2 to 13.