TANGA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritising the health sector, recognising that good health is essential for every aspect of life.
Dr Samia made this statement yesterday, while addressing the public at Mkata Primary School grounds in Handeni District, Tanga Region following a foundation-laying ceremony for the new Handeni District Hospital, during her first day of a week-long working visit to Tanga Region.
President Samia stressed the government’s resolve to protect citizens from diseases and, when necessary, provide them with accessible, reliable and quality healthcare services.
“The government’s goal is to protect children, so that they grow and learn well, empower the youth to contribute to nation-building, enable the elderly to share their wisdom and ensure safe deliveries for pregnant women,” Dr Samia said.
She said that the government has invested heavily in upgrading health facilities countrywide and equipping them with modern medical technology to deliver highquality care.
According to the president, the Handeni District Hospital, which includes 13 buildings meets the standards of a regional hospital.
The 13 buildings include an outpatient department (OPD), an emergency unit, a maternal and child health unit, radiology, laboratory and pharmacy. Others are male and female wards, a theatre room, laundry facilities, a pediatric ward and a mortuary.
“The hospital has already assisted 900 expectant mothers, with 300 of them delivering via surgery. This development has significantly improved healthcare services in the district by saving lives and reducing the need for referrals to other hospitals,” she said.
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Dr Samia also directed the Minister of State in the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, to allocate 200m/- for the construction of an orthopedic department, making the hospital a specialised centre for orthopedic treatment and related services.
She further said that investing in healthcare is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve medical services nationwide.
The president praised the villagers and leadership of Mkata East for donating 32 acres of land for the hospital’s construction, which greatly facilitated the project.
Dr Samia also outlined the government’s healthcare developments across the Tanga Region, including the construction of three district hospitals, 15 health centres and 74 dispensaries, along with providing 12 ambulances, modern medical equipment and the employment of 900 health workers by local authorities.
She said that, since 2021, the government has allocated 3.1tri/- for various development projects in Tanga Region, with 65.6bn/- directed towards health sector.
She added that her visit aims to assess how these funds have been utilised in various sectors, including social services, infrastructure, agriculture and other development projects.
“During my seven-day visit to Tanga Region, I will tour several investment projects, including industries, port facilities and other strategic projects in the region,” she added.
Dr Samia reassured the people of Handeni that the government will continue to implement planned projects in education, water supply, health, electricity and other sectors, all aimed at improving the welfare of citizens.
She also encouraged all eligible voters to register or update their voter information to ensure they participate effectively in the upcoming General Election scheduled for October this year.
On his side, Minister Mchengerwa said the government allocated over 4.37bn/- for construction of the hospital, adding that the health care facility also attracted financial support from development partners.
