ARUSHA: THE government has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening the country’s healthcare system by enhancing the standard of care and ensuring that quality medical services are more readily available to people across the nation.
The assurance was made by the Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi after he visited Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital in Arusha on Monday evening, where he inspected health services, interacted with patients and discussed challenges facing both patients and health workers.
Upon arrival, the Vice-President was received by hospital leaders and staff, who briefed him on the facility’s performance, development and services before he toured various wards and spoke with patients.
Speaking to patients, Mr Ndejembi expressed concern over their health conditions and conveyed greetings from President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.
At the maternity ward, the Vice-President expressed satisfaction at seeing mothers who had safely delivered and babies in good health.
He said the government would continue strengthening maternal and child health services as part of efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality.
He said the efforts were in line with President Dr Samia’s commitment to ensuring that women and children have access to quality and safe reproductive health services, while contributing to broader efforts to reduce maternal and child deaths in Africa.
During the visit, Mr Ndejembi also held direct discussions with patients about the services they were receiving and the challenges they faced.
While the patients generally expressed satisfaction with the services, some raised concerns over their inability to meet medical costs.
In response, the Vice-President facilitated the payment of medical bills for some patients who were unable to settle their costs, providing relief to them and their families.
The visit provided Mr Ndejembi with an opportunity to assess first-hand the services offered at the regional referral hospital, hear directly from patients and understand some of the challenges facing the facility and its users.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare and improving the quality of services delivered to Tanzanians.
In another development, the Vice-President toured various areas of Arusha City, where he interacted with residents and assessed environmental conditions in the region.
