Kuwait mostly positive on US policy push, but some splits
DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzanian Minister of Health Ummy Mwalimu expressed yesterday for Kuwait for its continuous support and contribution in in her country’s health sector. Mwalimu’s statement came during inauguration of a facility named “Kuwait Blood Bank” in Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI) in Dar es Salaam, former capital and largest city in Tanzania.
Kuwait’s Ambassador to Tanzania Jasem Al Najem said that launch of “Kuwait Blood Bank” was a qualitative step for Kuwaiti charitable work in Tanzania, following hard work by the Kuwait Patients Helping Fund Society (KPHFS), in cooperation with the Embassy, to ensure arrival of adequate equipment and devices-meeting international standers and Tanzanian requirements-for MOI. “Kuwait Blood Bank” has been launched with a $107,000 donation, through KPHFS and under supervision of the Kuwait Embassy in the nation, Tanzanian officials said.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian Minister for Health said the blood bank would enhance provision of services. “Now MOI can collect its own blood from donors and supply it to regional and district hospitals in need. The government thanks Kuwait for its assistance,” she said. According to her, the number of patients flown abroad for treatment decreased from 423 in 2015 to 209.
She pledged government’s continued investment in healthcare to ensure treatment for admitted patients, suffering from cancer, heart diseases or in need for kidney transplantation. MOI executive director Respicious Boniface said the institute needs 13-20 units of blood daily. “We always get five to 10 units of blood a day, which is inadequate because the demand is high. I encourage more people to donate blood,” Boniface said. —KUNA