Kibaha Hospital struggles to cope with patient overcrowding: staff speak out

Kibaha District Hospital, a public facility in Tanzania, is struggling with patient overload, causing long delays and endangering the medical well-being of patients and staff. Doctors and nurses at the hospital denounce the worrying situation, citing lack of equipment and staff as the main factors contributing to the influx of patients.

Data and statistics

According to hospital reports, the number of admitted patients has increased by at least 20% since 2020, putting immense pressure on hospital resources. Currently, more than 350 patients are being treated in the hospital’s 170 available beds, leaving approximately 180 patients awaiting admission.

Dealing with shortages

The hospital’s medical staff work tirelessly under difficult conditions to meet the demands of treating such a large number of patients. There have been reports of staff rationing essential medical supplies like oxygen, gloves and beds, as well as delayed test results and surgeries due to equipment faults. This led to patient frustration and increased anxiety.

Educational and community connections

To make matters worse, a significant portion of these patients come from underserved surrounding communities, where even the most basic healthcare amenities are scarce. Overcrowding at Kibaha Hospital is not only about the hospital’s capacity, but also about the community, where patients are encouraged to seek medical attention even in remote facilities.

While the hospital administration admits the situation is dire and efforts are being made to resolve the problem, critics argue that more attention should be paid to staff salaries, equipment and modernization of infrastructure. To resolve this crisis, more effective solutions are needed on several fronts:

1. Improved staffing ratios and professional training of medical staff

2. Improved equipment budgets for diagnostic and therapeutic medical equipment

3. Effective community outreach programs to minimize avoidable hospital visits and strengthen primary health care services