DR Grace Zephania, Maternal Health Coordinator at Mkuranga District Hospital has called on the government to increase the hospital’s budget allocation to enable them offer better services due to the increase in numbers of pregnant women coming to the facility to give birth.
On Monday, Asma Mwinyi Foundation (AMF), in collaboration with Tanzania UK Healthcare Diaspora Association (TUHEDA) visited the hospital and donated 50 bags of various medical items used during delivery as part of similar items costing 300m/- provided to three hospitals.
In addition, at different times AMF launched a water well at Miale Village that it met the cost thereof aimed at solving acute water shortage facing residents in the area.
After receiving the items, Dr Grace said every year the hospital receives more than 12,000 expectant women as opposed to the hospital’s target of 8,000 expectant women.
“Due to this increase, the allocated budget is not adequate, and I ask the government to increase the budget in order to offer better delivery services to them,” she said.
She added: “We thank AMF for providing to us the items to enable expectant mothers give birth without difficulties, as many of the women come to the hospital without anything.
“I also call on members of the community to make adequate preparations for their expectant mothers by providing them with essential items before coming to the hospital.”
Meanwhile, AMF Director, Asma Mwinyi said due to the present great demand, the donated items will help in saving the lives of mothers and babies and appealed to women and various stakeholders to support their efforts.
Mkuranga District Hospital’s duty medical officer, Andreas Matambwe said the hospital receives expectant women from various areas in the District, sometimes overwhelming its capacity.
He said AMF has done a great deed in seeing the importance of helping expectant women giving birth safely and appealed to other institutions to emulate the example.
He said the hospital also faces the shortage of equipment as its target is to serve 51 expectant mothers per month, but currently it has to serve between 350 and 400 per month.