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More than 500 residents in Sumbawanga Municipal Council, Rukwa Region, have benefited from free medical services provided by the Tanzania Police Force as part of efforts to strengthen community engagement and improve access to healthcare.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Chanji, Msua, Kantalamba and Kizwite wards, received medical check-ups, ultrasound examinations, professional consultations and medicines at Kizwite Government Dispensary on July 27, 2026.
The outreach was organised by the Rukwa Regional Police Dispensary in collaboration with local health authorities, targeting communities that often face challenges accessing some specialised healthcare services.
Speaking during the launch of the exercise, Rukwa Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Shadrack Masija, said the initiative reflected the Force’s commitment to putting community policing into practice through activities that directly address citizens’ needs.
He said the role of the Police Force extends beyond maintaining law and order, as it also involves working closely with communities to support social development initiatives.
Sumbawanga Municipal Council Medical Officer, Dr Robert Lwebangila, praised the partnership between the Police Force and the council, saying such cooperation was important in expanding healthcare access and improving service delivery.
He noted that bringing medical services closer to residents reduces the challenges associated with travelling long distances to seek treatment, especially for communities with limited access to specialised services.
The Head of the Rukwa Regional Police Health Unit, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Edgar Ullaya, said the exercise was aimed at promoting early detection of diseases and ensuring residents receive timely medical advice and treatment.
“The objective is to help identify health challenges at an early stage and provide appropriate medical support while reducing barriers to accessing healthcare services,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Medical Officer in Charge of Kizwite Government Dispensary, Dr Simon Mjema, said the availability of ultrasound services during the outreach had increased the facility’s ability to serve residents who previously had to seek the service from other health centres.
Chanji Ward Acting Executive Officer, Dominica Mwaipopo, thanked the government and the Police Force for organising the programme, saying it had helped reduce both the cost and time residents spend seeking medical care.
Residents who benefited from the initiative welcomed the move, saying the availability of free medical services within their communities had improved access to healthcare. They urged authorities to continue with similar outreach programmes to reach more people.
The medical outreach is part of the Rukwa Regional Police Force’s broader efforts to strengthen police-community relations through social programmes that contribute to improving the wellbeing of citizens.
