Joseph Isangura
Kilosa District Commissioner (DC) Shaka Hamdu Shaka has launched an official investigation into the tragic death of a pregnant woman who allegedly passed away due to delays in receiving emergency services after failing to raise TSh 180,000 for fuel for an ambulance.
The woman had been referred from Kidodi Health Center to St. Kizito Mikumi Hospital.
The incident came to light when Seleman Makuani, the deceased’s husband, voiced his frustration over the delay in securing transport for his wife. After being referred from Kidodi Health Center, Makuani reported that the ambulance was unavailable because the health center required him to cover the cost of fuel. The center insisted on receiving the amount upfront, only agreeing to provide transport after Makuani paid TSh 100,000. Unfortunately, despite the payment, the woman passed away over five hours later at St. Kizito Mikumi Hospital.
This sparked a public outcry, leading DC Shaka to halt a public meeting on September 10, 2024, where he had been addressing citizen grievances. He immediately convened an emergency security committee meeting to discuss the incident and formulate a course of action. The community reportedly welcomed the decision, expressing support for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
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At Kidodi Health Center, Acting Medical Officer Elia Mwakibete explained that the ambulance had run out of fuel and that no driver had been assigned to it. As a result, they were forced to rely on external drivers, which compounded the delays.
In response to the incident, DC Shaka formed a special committee, including members of the district’s security and defense forces, to investigate the situation. The committee began its work immediately and is expected to submit its findings to the DC within three days. The goal of the investigation is to determine the truth and provide clarity on the events that led to the woman’s death.
The probe is part of broader efforts to address healthcare challenges in Kilosa District and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Authorities are also looking into ways to improve ambulance services and ensure timely responses in emergencies.
