Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has issued a strict ban on the practice of charging patients money for fuel when using ambulances, saying no citizen should be delayed or denied emergency medical care due to lack of payment.
Speaking on July 4, 2026, at a public rally held at Suguti Primary School grounds in Musoma Rural Constituency, Mara Region, the Prime Minister said the government has already invested heavily in the health sector to ensure citizens receive timely and quality services.
He said ambulances are fully funded by the government and must be used strictly for saving lives, not for collecting money from patients or their families.
“It is unacceptable to tell a critically ill patient to contribute money for fuel. That is against the law, against government policy, and against basic public service responsibility,” he said.
He directed Regional and Council Medical Officers across the country to ensure immediate compliance, warning that any official who delays or blocks ambulance services due to demands for fuel payments will face disciplinary action.
The Prime Minister stressed that emergency health services must operate without conditions, saying delays caused by financial demands can cost lives and undermine public trust in the health system.
He further stated that government investments in hospitals, ambulance fleets, medical staff recruitment, and drug supplies are meant to eliminate such barriers, adding that wananchi should not be burdened during moments of emergency.
In his address, he also reminded public servants that solving citizens’ problems is a daily duty, not something to wait for leaders’ visits to address. He said service delivery must be consistent and accountable at all times.
On infrastructure development, he instructed relevant authorities to speed up procedures for the commencement of the first phase of the 40-kilometre Musoma–Suguti–Makojo–Busekera road project, emphasizing transparency, efficiency, and value for public money.
He called on citizens to continue protecting peace and stability, saying development can only be achieved in an environment of unity and security.
“Peace is the foundation of development. When we protect peace, we protect our future and our services,” he said.
