President Magufuli sacks Tanzanias deputy health minister

Tanzania’s President John Pombe Magufuli has sacked the country’s deputy health minister Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile amid the coronavirus pandemic.

President Magufuli, according to a statement from his communications team, appointed Dr. Godwin Oloyce Mollel to the position effective May 16, 2020.

Dr. Ndugulile, taking to social media following the news, thanked President Magufuli for the opportunity to serve in his government.

He also expressed gratitude to Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu, further wishing his successor Dr. Mollel “all the best” in his new endeavor.

Nimepokea uamuzi wa Mhe Rais kwa unyenyekevu mkubwa. Ninamshukuru sana JPM kwa kunipa fursa ya kuhudumu katika Serikali yake. Nawashukuru sana @umwalimu na watendaji wote kwa ushirikiano walionipatia.
Mafanikio ya sekta ni makubwa sana. Namtakia kila la kheri NW ajaye Dkt Mollel.

— Faustine Ndugulile (@DocFaustine) May 17, 2020

Dr. Ndugulile, who also doubles up as the Member of Parliament for Kigamboni, has served since in the health ministry since 2017.

Tanzania had, as at the time of publishing, confirmed 509 Covid-19 cases with 183 recoveries and 21 deaths.