Residents of Santilya Ward and neighbouring communities in Mbeya District are set to benefit from improved access to healthcare following the introduction of surgical services at Santilya Health Centre, a development expected to reduce patient referrals to distant hospitals and bring essential medical care closer to the community.
Mbeya District Executive Director Erica E. Yegella said the launch of the service marks a significant milestone in the district’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and expand access to critical medical services.
“The introduction of surgical services will reduce the financial burden and travel time for patients who previously had to seek treatment at facilities located far from their homes. This is an important step towards ensuring that quality healthcare services are available and accessible to our citizens when they need them,” Ms Yegella said.
Health officials say the new service is expected to improve the management of cases requiring surgical intervention, while enhancing the overall capacity of the facility to provide comprehensive healthcare.
Santilya Health Centre’s Medical Officer in Charge, Dr Juma Mlambo, said the addition of surgical services would strengthen patient care and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery within the district.
He noted that the initiative is part of broader efforts by the Mbeya District Council to expand essential health services at lower-level facilities, thereby reducing congestion at referral hospitals and improving health outcomes for residents.
The council has urged members of the public to utilise the services available at the health centre as authorities continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment and skilled personnel to enhance service delivery across the district.
The launch of surgical services at Santilya Health Centre reflects ongoing government efforts to improve access to healthcare in rural and peri-urban areas by ensuring that specialised services are available closer to the communities they serve.
