SPC -BLOG-TANGA
President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), Mohamed Mchengerwa, to allocate TZS 240 million for the construction of a specialized orthopedic surgery unit at Handeni District Council Hospital.
Dr. Samia made the directive on February 23, 2025, after officially inaugurating the Handeni District Council Hospital in Mkata, as part of her seven-day tour of Tanga Region aimed at inspecting development projects, laying foundation stones, and engaging with citizens.
She emphasized that Handeni is intended to become a specialized center for orthopedic services, despite offering other medical treatments. However, its primary focus should remain on orthopedic care.
Additionally, the President noted that the hospital has already attended to 900 expectant mothers, with 300 undergoing cesarean deliveries. Without this facility, these cases would have required referrals, highlighting the hospital’s critical role in saving lives.
“The hospital is located along the main road, and once a tarmac road is constructed from the main road to the hospital, accessibility will improve. That is why we have decided to establish a dedicated orthopedic surgery unit. I have directed the Minister of TAMISEMI to allocate TZS 240 million to complete this facility,” said Dr. Samia.
She further explained that the hospital currently has two operating theaters—one for general surgery and another for orthopedic procedures—but lacks a dedicated orthopedic ward. Patients are mixed with others, making it necessary to establish a separate orthopedic section.
Dr. Samia commended the villagers and leadership of Mkata Mashariki for donating 32 acres of land for the hospital’s construction, emphasizing that this act should serve as an example to others. She noted that if the government had been required to secure land on its own, the project might have faced delays.
“As part of the government’s Sixth Phase commitment, we have allocated TZS 4.37 billion for this hospital, along with additional funding for the construction of 16 health centers and dispensaries in Handeni District. This demonstrates the government’s dedication to protecting citizens from diseases,” she said.
She added that the government has continued to enhance the hospital with modern medical equipment, ensuring that residents receive quality healthcare services close to their homes.
Minister Mchengerwa reaffirmed that the government is committed to bringing essential services closer to the people, in line with President Samia’s directive to construct buildings that will serve Handeni residents.
“The people of Handeni were fortunate to have development partners who supported the construction of various hospital buildings. This has elevated the hospital to regional standards, significantly improving maternal and child health services and benefiting road accident victims,” Mchengerwa stated.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the government has facilitated the construction of 15 healthcare buildings, including laboratories, outpatient departments, emergency units, radiology facilities, maternity wards, and pharmaceutical storage units. In a short time, these investments have drastically improved maternal and child healthcare.
“The health sector is playing a vital role in saving lives. In Handeni District, maternal and child deaths have been eliminated, and healthcare workers are now more dedicated to ensuring the well-being of Tanzanians,” he added.
Mchengerwa also revealed that the government has invested TZS 65.6 billion in the healthcare sector across Tanga Region.
