Africa-Press – Tanzania. TMJ Hospital on Monday launched a state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) –as part of its strategic and long-term plan to complement the government’s efforts to improve delivery of healthcare services.
The equipment, which is used in radiology to generate images of body organs, was launched at TMJ’s Super Specialised Polyclinic in Temeke District.
Gracing the launching of the MRI, Deputy Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dr Godwin Mollel, said although the government had made great strides in the construction of hospitals, health centres and dispensaries and in the provision of health services not every part of the country had so far been reached.
In his speech read on his behalf by Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) Executive Director, Prof Mohamed Janabi, the deputy minister insisted that Tanzanians need better health services and that the government will keep improving the quality of healthcare services.
“There are still many Tanzanians who need better health services, especially those living in rural areas. The government alone cannot cover them all…we need cooperation with private health providers.” Dr Mollel called on private health providers to invest more in modern health infrastructure and health technologies to facilitate the implementation of national health strategies which aimed at making health services accessible to all Tanzanians, even those living in rural areas.
He explained that private health providers’ investment in modern health technologies was crucial as they would help the sixth phase government solve many health problems which faced many Tanzanians.
“Today we are witnessing the launch of this modern MRI, which uses high-tech…I urge other health stakeholders to invest in similar medical equipment to help Tanzanians, especially the poor,” he noted.
Dr Mollel said the government would continue cooperating with private health providers and provide them with needed assistance to ensure Tanzanians accessed better health services.
“I have been told private health providers are facing several challenges related to tax and others…all these are noted and we will address them so that those facing these challenges may get a breathing space,” added Dr Mollel.
For his part, TMJ Hospital Managing Director, Dr Tayabali Jafferji, said the launch of MRI was part of TMJ Hospital’s long-term strategy to support the government’s efforts to provide better health services in the country.
“The government cannot do everything alone…we as health stakeholders must contribute to the health sector so that the government may achieve its objectives, especially the provision of better health services,” said TMJ chief.
He commended the government’s plan to provide Universal Health Coverage to all citizens, describing it as “a turning point in the healthcare journey of our nation which will enable healthcare access to millions of under-served families across the country.”
“We look forward to working with the government for this programme, helping to ensure that the highest quality care reaches the citizens on a sustained basis, marks a pivotal shift towards preventive healthcare and reaffirms what we at TMJ have always been saying – keeping the nation’s citizens healthy, helps the country realize their full potential.”
Speaking, TMJ Chief Executive Officer, Parul Chahhya said: “as a nation, let us be committed to the health and well-being of our people, he said adding; “Health for All’ demands that we ensure universal health insurance coverage, put in place comprehensive programs for preventive health, and continue building world-class infrastructure. We should also implement technology-enabled access and build strong health care skills.”
“Above all, we need to focus on empowering the individual to take charge of his own health, and be responsible for his well-being. The right combination of all of the above is the perfect prescription for a healthy Tanzania.
