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A growing number of residents in Shinyanga Region have called on the government to consider extending the duration of the ongoing specialist medical camp under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s healthcare outreach initiative.
The appeal comes just three days into the six-day medical camp, which has attracted a large turnout of patients seeking specialized services at the Shinyanga Municipal Hospital.
“We are concerned that six days may not be enough, given the overwhelming number of people here in need of medical care,” said John Mandu, a resident of Chamaguha. “As you can see, hundreds have gathered here hoping to be seen by a specialist.”
Launched as part of President Samia’s vision to expand access to quality healthcare across the country, the initiative has deployed a team of expert doctors and nurses from various disciplines to underserved regions like Shinyanga.
Acting Medical Officer-in-Charge at the Shinyanga Municipal Hospital, Dr. Moshi Ryioba, confirmed a significant spike in patient numbers since the camp began.
“On one of the days, we attended to 167 patients far above the usual average of 50 to 70 per day,” said Dr. Ryioba. “This shows how valuable and impactful this initiative is for the community.”
Surgical specialist Dr. Boazi Mwasambili from Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital said the team has made solid progress and is committed to serving as many patients as possible.
“So far, we have completed two successful surgeries and are preparing for four more,” said Dr. Mwasambili.
“I am working with two dedicated colleagues, and despite the long hours sometimes staying until 2 a.m. their support and professionalism have been outstanding.”he added
The camp has brought together a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, including pediatricians, gynecologists, surgeons, ENT specialists, internal medicine experts, dental surgeons, and specialist nurses.
For many residents in Shinyanga, such access to high-level care is a rare opportunity one they hope can be extended to ensure no patient is left behind.
As demand for services continues to rise, the voices from Shinyanga underscore the need to scale up and sustain such outreach programs as a long-term solution to closing the healthcare gap in rural and semi-urban Tanzania.