Morogoro Referral Hospital, a regional referral hospital located in the Morogoro region of Tanzania, is facing an unprecedented level of patient load, requiring urgent intervention to relieve the pressure. The hospital, which receives patients from across the Morogoro region, has seen a sharp increase in admissions, with numbers reaching a record high in recent months.
According to hospital officials, the Morogoro referral hospital receives an average of 200 patients per day, some days up to 250 patients. This dramatic increase in the number of patients is putting a strain on available resources, including medical equipment, personnel and infrastructure.
Causes of overcrowding
The hospital attributed the overcrowding to the lack of adequate health services in the area, where many patients are forced to travel long distances to reach the hospital. Additionally, the hospital’s proximity to the city of Dar-es-Salaam makes it a popular destination for patients seeking specialized care and treatment.
Furthermore, the rise in non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension has also contributed to the increase in patient demand. The hospital’s accident and emergency department was reportedly overwhelmed, with waiting times for patients reaching unacceptable levels.
Consequences for patients and staff
Overcrowding has unintended consequences for both patients and hospital staff. Patients report long wait times, with some waiting hours or even days to receive treatment or see a doctor. Cases of nosocomial infections, malnutrition and dehydration have been reported.
Hospital staff, on the other hand, would work in extremely difficult conditions, with a shortage of medical supplies, laboratory equipment and other essentials. The pressure cooking environment has led to burnout, fatigue and demotivation.
Lack of funding and limited resources
The regional government has acknowledged the worsening crisis and pledged support to resolve the problem, but funding remains a pressing concern. The hospital continues to operate on a reduced budget, with limited capacity to invest in new staff, equipment and infrastructure development.
In desperation, hospital officials resorted to makeshift arrangements, allocating makeshift wards and using makeshift equipment. Patient care has suffered, with some reporting receiving substandard care amid the hospital crisis.
Beckon Solutions
In a bid to ease pressure on Morogoro Referral Hospital, officials are examining various solutions, including scaling up health services in under-resourced areas, recruiting additional staff, investing in medical equipment and modernization of hospital infrastructure.
Partnerships with the private sector and international development agencies were contacted for sustainable funding and support. There have also been calls for the government to prioritize comprehensive healthcare reform, targeting the root causes of chronic overpopulation.
As Tanzanians, it remains crucial that we recognize that healthcare is a fundamental right and that hospitals in our regions are equipped and resourced to provide this care.
Comments are closed