Zanzibar — THE Zanzibar First Vice President, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad has called on medical staff in hospitals on Unguja and Pemba to make sure that healthcare services are accessible anytime.

He made the call at the meeting with doctors, nurses, and other health workers on Pemba after visiting Chakechake Hospital, saying people are in need of health services around the clock. Hamad highlighted the existing challenges in the sector including shortage of skilled personnel and facilities, but said 24 hour services remain crucial to the people.

The Vice President stressed the importance of using the existing resources in an effective manner, adding that it is possible to improve healthcare. Hamad also visited Kengeja dispensary, health laboratories located at Wawi, and Abdallah-Mzee Hospital in Mkaoni where he inspected the progress of reconstruction of the hospital and held talks with a team of medical doctors from China working at the referral hospital in Pemba.

China is funding the major reconstruction of the Abdallah-Mzee Hospital which includes improving existing facilities and the establishment of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).