Dodoma, October 2, 2024 – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has urged medical laboratory professionals in Tanzania to value and uphold their profession, emphasizing its significant contribution to the country's healthcare system.
Dr. Biteko made these remarks today in Dodoma while representing the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, at the opening of the 37th Scientific Conference for Medical Laboratory Professionals and the 23rd HUOQAS Scientific Conference, along with the Annual General Meeting.
“My appeal to you is to take pride in your profession. Love it and appreciate it. Don’t stay silent when you see challenges – speak up without fear. Without laboratory professionals, proper diagnosis and treatment cannot take place. Ensure that everyone respects your role,” said Dr. Biteko.
He further stressed, “When you serve Tanzanians, do it with love and provide accurate results to help our government be a true servant to the people.”
Dr. Biteko also directed employers across the country to allow their laboratory staff to attend professional conferences and urged participants to share the knowledge gained with their colleagues who could not attend.
In addition, Dr. Biteko assured that the government, through the Ministry of Health, would address all challenges raised by the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association of Tanzania (MeLSAT).
“I have taken note of all the challenges, and I am instructing the Ministry to review MeLSAT’s statement and address these issues, so next year we can focus on new topics rather than the same challenges,” he explained.
Health Minister Jenista Mhagama highlighted that the government has made significant improvements in the healthcare sector, noting that 1.2 trillion Tanzanian shillings have been invested in upgrading medical laboratories nationwide.
She also pointed out advancements in diagnostic tools, including 13 MRI machines, 346 digital X-rays, and 476 ultrasound machines, alongside the training of specialists in key areas.
“These improvements have also been supported by the Presidential Scholarship Fund, which has already allocated 9 billion shillings over the past three years to train healthcare professionals locally. This investment has expanded the scope of medical tourism in Tanzania, thanks to President Samia’s leadership,” Mhagama emphasized.
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Saitore Laizer, added that the Ministry of Health continues to foster the development of various professional associations to provide expert advice to the government on enhancing the health sector.
He noted that, following the government's investments in medical equipment, infrastructure, and personnel, the focus now is to ensure the quality of healthcare services, which remains a top priority.
“The issue of antimicrobial resistance can spread from one person to another, much like infectious diseases, potentially leading to loss of life and significant costs. Furthermore, quality medical treatment depends on quality diagnostic services. That’s why the government started offering scholarships for laboratory technicians at intermediate levels in both public and private institutions. This underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening this crucial sector,” Dr. Laizer explained.
MeLSAT President Yahya Mnung’a stated that the purpose of the conference is to bring together professionals to address challenges in human laboratory services and to showcase the latest technologies in the field.
He added that MeLSAT continues to strengthen its partnerships with other professional associations within and outside Tanzania.
“The Tanzania Public Health Laboratory is recognized as one of the top three laboratories in Africa. We ask the government to consider elevating its status to that of an institution, given its significant work both locally and internationally,” Mnung’a said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Federation of African Laboratory Professionals (FeLPA), Mulate Mubanga, expressed concern over the widespread use of medication without proper laboratory tests, urging African governments and stakeholders to address this issue.
“I commend the Tanzanian government for the large number of laboratories and the substantial investments made in them. Additionally, public education on the proper use of medications should be intensified to reduce drug resistance. We hope the government and stakeholders will continue to provide this education for the benefit of future generations,” Mubanga concluded.
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