Government seeks 23bn/- for strategic health centres

DODOMA: PLANS are underway to construct 94 strategic health centres across the country at a cost of 23bn/-, aimed at improving access to healthcare services in underserved communities.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, said efforts are ongoing to mobilise funds for implementation of the project in identified strategic wards that meet the required criteria.

Prof Shemdoe made the remarks in Parliament yesterday while responding to a basic question from Marirta Kivunge (Special Seats, CCM), who sought to know when Mfereji Health Centre in Monduli District, Arusha Region, would be constructed after funds were allocated in the 2024/25 financial year.

He said Mfereji Ward is among the 94 strategic wards earmarked under the programme, noting that discussions with the Ministry of Finance have already been held to secure the required funding.

“We have engaged the Ministry of Finance and requested 23bn/- to enable construction of health centres in 94 councils where these strategic wards are located, including Mfereji,” he said.

Prof Shemdoe assured residents of Mfereji that construction would begin once the requested funds were released.

“Once these funds are released, we assure the people of Mfereji that we will send the money so that construction of the health centre can begin,” he said.

According to him, Mfereji Ward has a population of 8,068 people and comprises four villages which he mentioned as Komesha, Emurua, Idonyonado and Mfereji.

The minister said residents already have access to dispensary services in Mfereji and Idonyonado villages, while construction of a dispensary in Emurua is at the completion stage. In Komesha, construction of a dispensary has reached the foundation stage.

However, residents still depend on Monduli District Hospital for referral and emergency services, according to Prof Shemdoe. The minister said the situation underscored the need to expand health infrastructure in strategic wards so that communities can access services closer to their homes.

He also cited progress in Monduli District, saying 250m/- was released during the 2024/25 financial year for construction of Sepeko Health Centre. The project included an outpatient department (OPD), laboratory, external toilet and incinerator.

Prof Shemdoe said the construction had been completed and the facility started providing services in July 2026.

ALSO READ: Health centres, dispensaries set for major upgrade

In a supplementary question, Ms Kivunge asked what specific measures were being taken to ensure that funds were allocated for construction of Mfereji Health Centre and that the project was completed within a reasonable timeframe.

She pointed that the longdistance residents have to travel to Monduli District Hospital, particularly when seeking referral and emergency services.

Responding, Prof Shemdoe reiterated that Mfereji was among the strategic wards included in the planned construction of 94 health centres.

He said the ministry would allocate funds to the ward once the requested 23bn/- became available.

The minister said the planned investment forms part of broader efforts to expand health infrastructure in areas where communities face difficulties accessing essential and referral services.

The construction of additional health centres is expected to bring services closer to rural communities, reduce travel distances for patients and ease pressure on district hospitals.

For Mfereji residents, the project remains dependent on the availability of the requested funding, with the minister assuring Parliament that the ward would be considered once the funds are secured.