The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Beatus Kagashe
1 July 2009
The construction of the new university at Mloranganzira, in Coast Region for relocation of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), is expected to start later this year, President Jakaya Kikwete said yesterday.
He said the Government also plans to establish a school of medicine at the Dodoma University in a bid to address the shortage of health experts in the country.
Launching the Health Sector Strategic Plan 3 (HSSP3) in Dar es Salaam yesterday , President Kikwete said currently, MUHAS produces less than 230 doctors annually, which is very low compared to the needs of the country. He gave the example of last year where there where 652 fully equipped health centres, but lacked doctors.
"We have the money and we are determined to start construction of new university this year. Those who invaded the area have been relocated to other places to pave way for the new facility," said Mr Kikwete.
The President said the aim is to increase the number of graduates to 1,000 annually.
The HSSP3 is expected to strengthen the existing health facilities at the village and ward levels, improve referral systems and human resources for health services.
Mr Kikwete said the HSSP2 has recorded tremendous achievements like decreasing deaths of children under five years from 147 in 1999 to 91 in 2008 per 1,000 births, while maternal deaths have dropped from 38 in 2004 to 29 in 2007 per 1,000 expectant mothers.
"The Government is committed to ensure that health budget is increased and will be maintained as number three in our priority sectors," he said.
The Government has increased its health sector budget from Sh589 million last year, to Sh963 million this year. The increase is equivalent to 11.3 per cent.
"I know this amount is still very little according to the increasing demand. The target is to reach 15 per cent so that we can serve the lives of many Tanzanians," said Mr Kikwete.
The minister for Health and Social Warfare, Prof David Mwakyusa, said the project would focus on 11 priority areas with the focus placed on district, regional, zones and ministry level.
The said donors have increased their health basket fund to $61 million in 2009/10 compared to $25 million given in 2003.
Reading the speech on behalf of civil society, religious and private sectors, Dr Sajida Kimambo, called on the Government to extend tax exemptions to the private sector in the procurement of essential equipment like transport for health services and reduction of duties to the pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
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