Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital in Arusha has issued a firm denial regarding recent social media claims that the hospital prevented relatives from collecting the body of a deceased patient due to unpaid medical bills.
On August 9, 2025, at around 10:15 PM, the hospital received a 20-year-old accident victim, Mohamed Ally, who was immediately admitted for emergency treatment. Comprehensive examinations, including X-rays, CT scans, and laboratory tests, were conducted.
Despite intensive medical efforts, Mohamed tragically passed away at 8:00 PM the same evening. The total cost of the treatment amounted to TZS 910,000.
Relatives arrived at the hospital after receiving notification and were informed about the patient’s condition and the incurred medical expenses.
On August 11, at 2:00 AM, Mohamed’s family, accompanied by friends and motorcycle taxi riders, arrived to collect the body.
After settling the medical bill, the family was handed the body at 4:00 AM without any obstacles.
The hospital reports that some of the accompanying motorcycle taxi riders disrupted the area around the mortuary, protesting the bill’s amount.
However, the hospital emphasized that it adheres strictly to government directives prohibiting the withholding of bodies over unpaid fees.
Mount Meru Hospital reassures the public that it remains committed to delivering quality healthcare services in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines, ensuring all patients receive timely treatment regardless of their financial situation.