Radiology facility to ease Malangali healthcare
MUFINDI: MUFINDI District residents will soon have easier access to X-ray services following the completion of a dedicated radiology facility at Malangali Health Centre, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to referral facilities.
The facility, constructed at a cost of 58m/- through Mufindi District Council’s ownsource revenue, is expected to benefit about 6,331 residents of Malangali Ward and neighbouring communities who have been travelling more than 20 kilometres to access radiology services.
Iringa Regional Commissioner, Kheri James, inspected the project yesterday and directed authorities to expedite the remaining work, install the equipment and ensure the service becomes operational as soon as possible.
“Building infrastructure is one thing, but quality service is another. Iringa must distinguish itself through excellent healthcare services,” Mr James said.
He said the government’s investment in health infrastructure in rural areas was aimed at reducing the burden of travelling long distances for treatment while improving access to essential medical services.
The Regional Commissioner also urged health workers to provide patients with respectful and professional care throughout the treatment process.
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“When people are treated well, they will tell others they received good service. Likewise, if they are treated poorly, they will also share that experience,” he said.
The Medical Officer in Charge of Malangali Health Centre, Dr Fredrick Jackoracha, said the council had already received a digital X-ray machine, which would be installed once the building was fully completed.
He said the project had been implemented in three phases using the council’s own-source revenue. “The first phase received 20m/- in February 2024 for construction of the building and roofing works. The second allocation of 28m/- in January 2025 financed electrical installation, plastering, ceiling works, tiling, water supply systems, door frames, window grills and painting,” he said.
He added: “The final phase received 10m/- in January 2026 to install aluminium windows and doors and complete water and electricity connections, bringing the total investment to 58m/-.”
Dr Jackoracha said the facility would strengthen Malangali Health Centre’s capacity to serve the growing population while reducing pressure on referral facilities that currently receive patients from the ward and neighbouring communities.
Residents welcomed the project, saying the availability of X-ray services closer to home would reduce transport costs and the time spent travelling to Mafinga for radiology services.
“We used to travel all the way to Mafinga, and transport costs were very high. We thank the Regional Commissioner, our leaders and President Samia for bringing this service closer to us,” said resident Rustika Kitalika. Another resident, Felix Halinga, said the facility would ease the financial burden on families seeking medical care.
“The services will now be closer to us and will reduce the costs we have been spending to access treatment,” he said.
The facility is expected to improve timely access to diagnostic services, particularly for patients who previously had to make costly trips to distant facilities for X-ray examinations.
