Africa-Press – Tanzania. POLICE in Kilimanjaro Region are holding one person (name withheld) for allegedly impersonating a doctor with the intention of charging people money to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Stephen Kagaigai noted this on Tuesday when talking to health staff from the Kilimanjaro Regional Secretariat as well as staff of the Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH).
“There are complaints from some of the residents that there are people impersonating doctors, walking around the facility and charging citizens money to get vaccinated, the government in Kilimanjaro region is investigating the matter and one person has already been arrested in connection with such allegations,” he said.
Dr Kagaigai directed Moshi District Commissioner Mr Said Mtanda and the Kilimanjaro Regional Administrative Secretary Dr Seif Shekalaghe to immediately launch thorough investigations concerning the allegations so that the perpetrators could be dealt with immediately and seriously to protect the dignity of the government.
“I call on you (health workers) to join in this mission by identifying those scrupulous individuals. If it is employees among yourself, you should know that you are tarnishing the good image and dignity of your profession,” he said.
Dr Kagaigai also called on members of the public to immediately report to the government through its various government offices when they find such conmen.
“The government provides these vaccines for free.There is no fee of any kind to get them and those who charge people are conmen, whom the government will bear with them and if found they risk facing legal actions,” he warned.
He made the statement during his visit to the Mawenzi Regional Referral hospital when he was accompanied by DC Mtanda and RAS Shekalaghe among other officials. Dr Kagaigai had the opportunity to speak to the people who were in queue waiting to be vaccinated and those who had already received the jabs at the hospital.
Dr Kagaigai and the two district leaders joined health staff in serving those who were receiving the Covid-19 vaccine at the centre.
The leaders took part in serving the vaccine seekers, especially those with disabilities who had to be provided the services outside the hospital premises. Due to their physical conditions, people with disabilities had to get the vaccine while on their tricycles. Dr Kagaigai urged the public to avoid misinformation propagated by ill-intentioned people about Covid-19 vaccine.
“The government cares about its people and has made sure that vaccines are available as soonest, therefore don’t put your life at risk only because of listening to baseless information about the vaccines, instead, make sure you are vaccinated to protect your lives and also be good ambassadors for those who have not been vaccinated,” he said.
Dr Kagaigai went on to say that by Tuesday, this week more than 21,000 residents in Kilimanjaro region were vaccinated, making it one of the regions that have done well in vaccine rollout in the country since it was launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, recently.
