Mewata to build Sh32 billion health facility for women, children

Medical Women Association of Tanzania (Mewata) plans to spend Sh32 billion on the treatment of women and children in the country.

Speaking on Friday, October 27, during the 17th annual general meeting and scientific conference, Mewata president Serafina Mkuwa said the project was expected to start by the end of 2020.

“The hospital to be built in Mbweni is expected to accommodate 400 patients per day. We plan to conduct a fundraising campaign for the construction,” she said.

She noted that the Well Women Clinic would be the centre for local and foreign women and children suffering from various diseases.

Ms Makuwa noted that, although the clinic was mainly constructed for women and children, men would also receive medical treatment and advice.

According to her, the hospital is expected to minimise health challenges for women and children due to a shortage of health facilities.

"Enough is enough, we cannot tolerate seeing mothers dying during delivery and failing to receive medical treatment due to a shortage of health facilities," she stressed.

She said they were collecting money from private and public institutions, including individuals to start construction of the hospital as soon as possible.

Deputy minister of State in the President's Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) Josephat Kandege challenged Mewata to start its financial institution to address financial challenges in implementing development projects.

"You have come with a brilliant idea to build the 'Well Women Clinic', but in the future financial challenges related to funding development projects like the one you are facing today could be ended by starting your own bank," he said.

He explained that, if teachers had successfully established their own bank, the health sector was supposed to emulate what they had done.

Apart from establishing the bank, Mr Kandege urged Mewata to extend their services to Zanzibar and other East African countries.