Women in Mbeya Rural have welcomed the arrival of a new ambulance at Santilya Health Centre, saying the facility will help prevent deaths linked to delays in accessing emergency medical services, especially during childbirth.
The ambulance was handed over by Mbeya Rural Member of Parliament Patali Shida Patali on July 9, 2026, following concerns over challenges faced by residents in accessing timely referrals.
Mr Patali said the move was part of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services in the constituency, which has 28 wards and a population of more than 470,000 people.
He said despite having five ambulances serving the area, demand remained high due to the size of the constituency and the condition of some of the existing vehicles.
"I have consistently pushed for the government to increase the number of ambulances because our area is large and the population is growing. Currently, only two of the five ambulances available are in good condition," Mr Patali said.
He said the government spent more than TZS 300 million to purchase the new ambulance, describing it as a critical investment aimed at saving lives through faster access to healthcare.
The MP thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for responding to residents’ concerns and approving the availability of the ambulance.
He also recognised the support of the Minister of State in the President’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (Tamisemi), Prof Shemdoe, in making the acquisition possible.
Mr Patali said the ambulance would serve residents beyond Santilya Ward, extending services to communities across Isangati Division and neighbouring areas.
He said lack of reliable emergency transport had previously forced some pregnant women to delay reaching health facilities, increasing risks for mothers and newborns.
"We have witnessed cases where expectant mothers faced serious challenges because of delays in transportation. This ambulance will help ensure patients receive emergency care on time and save many lives," he said.
For residents, the arrival of the ambulance represents relief after years of depending on distant facilities during emergencies.
Esther Mboma, a resident of Ivugula hamlet in Santilya Ward, said some families had lost loved ones due to delays in reaching hospitals.
"Recently, we lost a mother who had delivered safely but died while being taken to Ilembo Health Centre. Many women have suffered because of the lack of emergency transport. We thank our MP for bringing this ambulance," she said.
Ms Mboma said residents were ready to support efforts to improve roads in the area so the ambulance could operate effectively, especially during difficult weather conditions.
Mbeya District Council Head of Health, Nutrition and Social Welfare Dr Erasto Rite said Santilya Health Centre serves about 17,624 residents in Isangati Division and is among six health centres managed by the council.
He said before the new ambulance arrived, the facility depended on transport from Ilembo Health Centre, located more than 20 kilometres away, a situation that contributed to delays in handling emergency cases.
"The availability of this ambulance will improve referral services and reduce preventable deaths among residents of Santilya and surrounding areas," Dr Rite said.
He added that improved emergency transport would strengthen maternal healthcare services and increase access to timely medical attention for patients requiring specialised treatment.
