Ambulance to airlift Lissu to US may cost Sh560 million, reveals Msigwa

Dar es Salaam. Chadema needs to raise a total of $250,000 (Sh560 million) to facilitate airlifting of Singida East MP Tundu Lissu to either the US or Germany pending approval of  doctors at the Nairobi Hospital.

Speaking at Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) headquarters on Wednesday, September 20, Iringa Urban Member of Parliament (MP) Rev Peter Msigwa said the money will cover the costs of an air ambulance for that purpose.

“This is apart from money needed for his treatment and other expenses. However, this is if doctors at the Nairobi Hospital will see the need for Mr Lissu to be referred overseas, and this will require an air ambulance whose cost is around $250,000,” he said.

Rev Msigwa revealed that so far Chadema has spent over Sh160 million for Mr Lissu’s treatment at the Nairobi Hospital. He urged Tanzanians to continue contributing towards the treatment of Mr Lissu.

“What Tanzanians should know is that Mr Lissu was gravely injured, even doctors at Nairobi Hospital wondered how we managed to reach the hospital alive. A team of 10 doctors are attending him,” he said.

According to him, Mr Lissu’s condition was critical but stable, blaming the government for failure to cover treatment expenses of the MP who is also the Opposition Chief Whip and President of the Tanganyika Law Society.

“Mr Lissu has done a lot for this country in terms of advocacy and as the lawmaker, all of which show that the government has a responsibility in taking care of his treatment. It is unfortunate that no government leader has paid him a visit except for Mr Lazaro Nyalandu, ex-minister,” he said.

He refuted claims by National Assembly Speaker Job Ndugai that Chadema and family decision to take Mr Lissu to Nairobi skipping Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) violated Parliament’s arrangement with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) insisting that Mr Lissu’s case was not to be treated like any other.

“You can’t speak about sticking to procedures under that situation. His condition shouldn’t be compared with normal referrals. Apart from fighting to save for his life, there were security challenges as well,” he said.

According to him, Chadema has lost confidence in the government due to its failure to address Mr Lissu’s warning that there were people trailing his movements.

“I’m not surprised that nobody has been arrested in connection with the assassination attempt,” he said.

Mr Lissu was flown to Nairobi Hospital after being briefly admitted to Dodoma Hospital as he sustained gun wounds that left him fighting for his life.