Rights advocates demand probe into hospital allegations

DAR ES SALAAM: A COALITION of 48 women’s rights organisations is calling for an “independent, impartial and timely” investigation into the harrowing claims made by a Mbulu resident, Ms Teresia Teofili.

Ms Teofili recently went public during a rally held by Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, alleging severe medical negligence and a history of ignored sexual violence.

The Mbulu woman claimed that during childbirth at a district hospital in the Manyara Region, she was denied adequate medical assistance by the attending physician leading to severe bleeding and significant health complications.

Speaking for the Tanzania Dadas Rise Coalition (TDRC), Ms Magdalena Gisse urged authorities to provide Teofili and her child with immediate medical care, psychosocial support and physical protection.

Presenting the coalition’s position, Ms Magdalena Gisse said the group is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations to establish the facts and ensure accountability where necessary.

She added that the coalition is also demanding a professional review by relevant medical authorities regarding the alleged denial of adequate medical care during childbirth. In addition, the group called for criminal investigations into the alleged perpetrators of sexual violence if the claims are substantiated.

Another stakeholder, Ms Neema Abeid, said Ms Teofili also alleged that she had been subjected to repeated acts of rape by young men in her community and that her attempts to report the incidents to the police were not taken seriously.

She emphasised the need for law enforcement authorities to ensure accountability in cases where there may have been failures to properly investigate such complaints.

Ms Abeid also called for enforcement of child maintenance obligations under the Law of the Child Act and urged leaders and authorities to demonstrate greater sensitivity and dignity when engaging with citizens who raise concerns involving sexual violence, mental health and vulnerability.

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“We believe the issues raised by Ms Teresia involve extremely serious allegations, including sexual violence, medical negligence, mental health stigma and child neglect, which require a response that reflects the gravity and sensitivity of such concerns,” she said.

Ms Consolata Chikoti noted that Sections 4 and 5 of the Mental Health Act guarantee dignity, humane treatment and appropriate medical evaluation for individuals with mental health conditions. She stressed that treatment should only occur following proper diagnosis by qualified medical professionals.

She further pointed to provisions under the Law of the Child Act that guarantee a child’s right to parental care and impose legal obligations on parents to provide maintenance, including food, healthcare, shelter and education.

Meanwhile, Ms Esther Liukal, also representing the coalition, reaffirmed TDRC’s commitment to defending the dignity, safety and rights of women and children in Tanzania.