Njombe launches dialysis services for public

NJOMBE: NJOMBE Regional Referral Hospital has officially launched kidney dialysis services, becoming the first regional referral hospital in the country to offer the specialised treatment under the government’s drive to expand access to dialysis services nationwide.

The Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi, announced this on Tuesday on behalf of the Minister for Health, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, during her working visit to Njombe Region to inspect the implementation of health sector development projects and healthcare service delivery.

Dr Samizi said the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to strengthen specialised and super-specialised healthcare services in public hospitals by bringing essential medical services closer to the people, thereby reducing treatment costs and the need for patients to travel long distances.

“The Minister for Health has directed every Regional Referral Hospital to establish kidney dialysis services so that citizens are no longer forced to travel long distances to receive treatment,” she said.

Dr Samizi commended Njombe Regional Referral Hospital for taking the lead and urged other regional referral hospitals to expedite preparations, including infrastructure development, procurement of medical equipment and deployment of qualified health personnel, to begin offering the life-saving service.

Earlier, Njombe Regional Commissioner, Mr Anthony Mtaka, said the hospital has made significant progress in improving healthcare services, including introducing specialised services that have greatly reduced referrals to hospitals outside the region.

He said the improvements have spared residents the cost and inconvenience of travelling long distances to seek treatment elsewhere.

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Meanwhile, the hospital’s Medical Officer in Charge, Dr Gilbert Kwesi, said the facility has installed 12 dialysis machines, noting that the new service will significantly ease the burden on kidney patients who previously travelled to other regions for treatment.

He said the hospital remains committed to continuously improving the quality of healthcare services.

Dr Kwesi also appealed to the Ministry of Health to continue funding development projects, including the construction of a perimeter wall to enhance security and prevent boundary encroachment and theft of medical equipment.

He further requested government support for the construction of a conference hall and an administrative building, noting that the Outpatient Department (OPD) building is currently serving both patient care and administrative functions.

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