MOI receives medical supplies to offset shortage .

HILDA MHAGAMA

CHIEF Medical Officer Prof Muhammad Kambi cuts a ribbon to symbolise the handing over of 27 beds and mattresses to be used by Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) children ward donated by Dalbit Petroleum company in Dar es Salaam yesterday. He is flanked by the Managing Director of Dalbit Margaret Mbaka (right) and MNH Director of Nursing Services, Sister Flora Kimaro. (Photo by Robert Okanda)

THERE is hope for children suffering from spinal bifida and hydrocephalus conditions as Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), receives the support of 27 beds, mattresses and one screen worth 7,500 USD equivalents to 9.2 M/- from Delbit petroleum company.

Shortage of materials and medical equipment remain a serious all-round problem. Even ordinary items such as laundry soap, antiseptics, and bed sheets sometimes found to be in short supply.
Speaking after receiving the support, the Chief Government Medical Officer, Professor, Muhammad Kambi said the assistance received at an opportune time was highly appreciated by the government and that MOI staff members should value and make sure they last long. He further said the assistance would help to boost the department’s capacity to carry out surgery as well accommodate more children than ever before.
“Other organizations and private institutions should come out and support MOI to strengthen its capacity to serve the general public more efficiently,” said Prof Kambi According to the Director for Nursing, Ms Flora Mtui, more than 50 children are received at the hospital and only 45 beds were available which are used by both children and their parents.
Ms Mtui said they have been receiving children mostly from the southern Regions of Tanzania and Morogoro, adding, the hospital has a capacity to operate five children in which they do not conduct surgeries often
Each year more than 4,800 children in the country are born with spinal bifida and hydrocephalus conditions and only 400 admitted at MOI annually. But most children are not brought at the hospital due to various reasons, including wrong beliefs and extreme poverty.
Women of childbearing age can reduce the risk of their child suffering from the ailment by taking enough folic acid from leafy green vegetables, fruits, beans and vitamin B12 found in meat and eggs.
She further said that the government alone could not cater for all the challenges and capable people should contribute to health care for better future of those children.
Speaking at the occasion, the Director General of Delbit Company, Ms Margaret Mbaka said they support the government’s efforts to provide better health services. Ms Mbaka said the company was investing in the community by supporting health sector projects, education and road safety.
“We believe this support will enable the hospital to serve the community better and reach out as many children as possible,” said Mbaka.
Expounding further she said the responsibility of each of community member was to support local hospital services for the vulnerable persons.
There must be many in the country who recall what the situation was like when missing vital medical services.