Z’bar enhances mental health hospital to strengthen services

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR government has opened a new mental health hospital in Pandani, Wete District to enable families that are struggling with mental illness to access services. For years, families in Pemba have faced long journeys and stigma in search of mental health care.

Speaking at the official opening of the mental health hospital, the Minister of State in the Office of the President for Constitution, Legal Affairs and Public Service, Dr Haroun Ali Suleiman, said all development initiatives undertaken by the government are guided by the vision and values of the Zanzibar Revolution.

He said the investment places people’s real needs at the centre of development. He added that the government, under President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the health sector as part of its broader goal of building a healthy society in line with the ideals of the 1964 revolution.

He noted that it was encouraging to see President Mwinyi continue to improve health services across the islands, ensuring citizens receive safe, reliable and quality healthcare.

“The Zanzibar government will continue to improve health services for all citizens in both Unguja and Pemba without any form of discrimination, based on the real needs of the people,” he said.

Dr Suleiman added that sustained investment in the health sector reflects the government’s strong commitment to improving public welfare and reducing the challenges citizens face in accessing healthcare close to their communities.

On her part, Pemba North Regional Commissioner Ms Mgeni Khatib Yahya said the improvements in the health sector clearly demonstrate the vision of the Eighth Phase Government to safeguard public health through modern medical infrastructure that meets both current and future needs.

ALSO READ: Experts push for reconciliation, mental health support after elections

“This investment shows President Mwinyi’s foresight in addressing both present and future health challenges,” she said.

Providing a technical briefing, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Mngereza Mzee Miraji, said the hospital will significantly reduce deaths linked to mental illness and improve the efficiency of mental health services in Zanzibar.

He added that the facility will expand access to specialised care, reduce unnecessary referrals outside the islands and enhance overall community wellbeing by meeting nationally and internationally accepted standards.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with health-sector stakeholders to ensure the project delivers sustained benefits to all citizens.