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JK wants dispensary in every ward
2006-01-20 08:43:08
By Judica Tarimo
President Jakaya Kikwete expressed anger yesterday at the low number of health centres in the country, saying it subjected the poor to unnecessary health problems.
Speaking when he toured the Ministry of Health, the President criticised the existing health policies as unworkable and directed the ministry to review them immediately.
The current health policy provides for the construction of dispensaries and health centres in areas or villages with a population of between 10,000 and 50,000 people, an approach the President said was unrealistic.
’This forces people in remote areas of the country to travel long distances, like 40 kilometres, in search for health services.
The health policy does not help our people,’ he said.
’The policy must take into account many factors. If the population size is the only factor we consider, our people will die. I am saying using population size as the only criteria for setting up health facilities does not make sense,’ said President Kikwete.
He said the health policy must take into account the reality on the grounds instead of concentrating on the population size and other technical factors.
The President proposed the establishment of health centres and facilities in every ward across the country to relieve Tanzanians from walking long distances to seek health services.
’Try as much as possible to bring services closer to the people. I believe, we can make a difference in the health sector if we set up health facilities in each ward,’ Kikwete said.
The President called on the Health Ministry to overseeing the construction of health hospitals, centres and facilities to improve health services delivery.
He said it is impossible to reduce the ratio of doctors-to-patients, which currently stands at 1: 25,000, if the ministry will oversee the expansion of health facilities in the country.
’I know, construction of these facilities is the responsibility of regional government authorities, but the ministry must take part.
There is no way you can stand aside if we really want to achieve our health goals,’ he said.
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