Zanzibar secures 260.8bn/- from WB for healthcare upgrade
ZANZIBAR: THE World Bank (WB) has provided 100 million US dollar (about 260.8bn/-) to Zanzibar aimed at bolstering healthcare infrastructure in the isles.
The WB’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, Ms Milena Stefanova said yesterday during the meeting with Zanzibar President, Dr Hussein Mwinyi at State House that the support aims at improving health provision in the isles through improved infrastructure.
According to the statement released from State House, President Mwinyi has expressed gratitude and
appreciation to the support. He said the support is a pivotal step toward significant improvements in the country’s medical infrastructure.
He said: “We havemade considerable progress in building district hospitals and health centres, but several challenges that need urgent attention are still existing, therefore the continued support from development partners remains essential.”
Dr Mwinyi instructed the Ministry of Health to ensure the funds are utilised effectively to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, train medical personnel and acquire advanced medical equipment.
Dr Mwinyi highlighted the government’s strategic vision of transforming Zanzibar into a leading medical hub for East Africa and beyond. He commended the WB for its ongoing partnership in helping realise the ambition.
Furthermore, Dr Mwinyi encouraged the Ministry of Health to work closely with the WB’s healthcare infrastructure expert, Professor Francis, to identify qualified and competent contractors for medical infrastructure projects.
He stressed the importance of using the funds efficiently to achieve sustainable and impactful improvements in healthcare.
On her part, Ms Stefanova reaffirmed the WB’s approval of Zanzibar’s efforts to improve healthcare services and pledged continued support for the wellbeing of its citizens.
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Minister for Health, Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazroui outlining the ministry’s plans to ensure the funds are effectively used to position Zanzibar as a premier medical tourism and healthcare destination, branded as “Healing Island,” in the same vein as established medical tourism hubs like India and Thailand.
Last year, President Mwinyi said it is the desire of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the Union Government to improve the health sector towards making Tanzania a hub of medical tourism in the region.
