725 people succumbed to COVID-19 since its outbreak in Tanzania - Minister

Tanzania has recorded 725 Covid-19 deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic almost 20 months ago.

The fatalities are among the 26,164 coronavirus cases reported, with 25,330 having fully recovered from the disease.

This was said by the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Godwin Mollel in parliament on Wednesday while answering a question from Special Seats MP, Halima Mdee.

In her main question, Ms Mdee asked how many Tanzanians have contracted Covid-19 since its outbreak and amount the government planned to spend in the fight against the pandemic.

She also asked what has led to Covid-19 treatment costs to rise.

“A total of Sh158 billion has been spent in purchasing various equipment including 19 oxygen concentrators that have capacity of producing 200 to 300 cylinders.” said Dr Mollel.

He added: As of now seven concentrators have began operations whereas installation of the other 12 are in progress, part of the money was spent in procuring of PPEs (Personal protective equipment), medicine, medical equipment and 15 ambulances.”

Regarding the cost of testing Covid-19 which now stands at $50 per person, Dr Molled said the cost was supposed to be $135, but the government contributes $85.

In June while speaking to editors and journalists in Dar es Salaam, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, said the government will spend at least $470 million to purchase Covid-19 vaccines and bailout sectors that were severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic.