PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS BENJAMIN MKAPA HOSPITAL BE UPGRADED TO NATIONAL HOSPITAL
By Arusha Digital – Dodoma
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS has recommended that the Government elevate Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) from its current status as a zonal referral hospital to a National Hospital, citing its remarkable achievements in providing specialized and super-specialized healthcare services in Tanzania.
The recommendation was made by the Committee’s Chairperson, Dr. Johannes Lukumay, during the committee’s inspection visit to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma.
Dr. Lukumay said committee members were impressed by the significant progress made by the hospital, particularly in delivering 20 specialized medical services and 17 super-specialized services, including kidney transplantation and bone marrow transplantation for children suffering from sickle cell disease.
According to him, the quality and scope of services currently offered at the facility make it deserving of National Hospital status. Such an upgrade would expand access to advanced healthcare services for Tanzanians and reduce the high costs incurred in sending patients abroad for treatment.
“This hospital has demonstrated exceptional capacity in delivering specialized and super-specialized medical services that were previously available only outside the country. We believe that granting it National Hospital status will further enhance its ability to serve a greater number of Tanzanians,” said Dr. Lukumay.
In addition to the recommendation, the committee advised the Government to continue strengthening the Universal Health Insurance system and invest in local pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing industries to reduce healthcare costs and dependence on imported medical products.
Speaking during the visit, Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Florence Samizi, said the Government remains committed to ensuring the timely completion of the Cancer Centre of Excellence and Training Facility at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. She added that the installation of essential equipment will enable the provision of specialized cancer treatment services across different parts of the country.
Earlier, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abel Makubi, noted that Benjamin Mkapa Hospital has achieved remarkable growth due to substantial Government investment in infrastructure, medical equipment, and human resources.
Prof. Makubi explained that more than 60 percent of the planned specialized and super-specialized services are already operational, significantly reducing the number of patients referred abroad for treatment and positioning the hospital as one of Tanzania’s leading centers for advanced healthcare services.
Benjamin Mkapa Hospital has continued to build its reputation as one of the country’s premier healthcare institutions, offering high-level medical services such as kidney transplants, bone marrow transplants, cardiac treatment, and other super-specialized procedures that have enabled thousands of Tanzanians to receive quality treatment within the country.
The proposed elevation of the hospital to National Hospital status is expected to further strengthen Tanzania’s healthcare sector by expanding referral services, improving access to advanced treatment, and reducing medical costs for citizens.
Ends..
إرسال تعليق