Zanzibar: Major Improvement In Health Services
Zanzibar has reached a decisive point in its development by dramatically increasing its health services coverage across the island.
Below is an article published by AllAfrica:
Zanzibar now enjoys spatial distribution of health services with an average walking distance of five kilometres, the Deputy minister for health, Dr Sira Ubwa Mamboya, informed the House.
"Geographic Information System (GIS) shows that a health service covers 99 per cent of Zanzibar. This is admirable development," said Mamboya in response to question from Mr Jaku Hashim Ayoub (CCM-Muyuni). Ayoub asked why Pete village, Makunduchi in South Unguja has no clinic, and the deputy said Pete had two health centres at Kitogani and Unguja-Ukuu separated at a distance of three kilometres.
Sira said the government has no plans to build new heath centres because they are evenly distributed across Unguja and Pemba islands.
"Our assignment now is to improve services by buying health facilities, train more staff and provide residences for doctors," she said.
The deputy minister said further that outreach services offered in villages is another positive development and advised legislators to liaise with medical superintendents.