“Dar to be a Medical Tourism Hub in EA”, This is envisioned to be a centre of excellence in the region

It has been announced that Dar at Tanzania is about to become a Medical tourism Hub; The hub of high-tech cardiovascular treatment which will include a special wing for children in East Africa.

This will happen through the extension of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) at Mloganzila.

As per the information, the extension will benefit the region to be a centre of excellence.

It is also informed that, apart from providing sevices to the local patients, now the services will also be expanded to the neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda as well as Zambia, Malawi and the Comoros, among others.

This facility will provide benefit to the children and will have a capacity of between 280 and 350 beds, up from the current 128 beds at the current JKCI building , which is located within the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH).

“Apart from the extension of the cardiac institute, we also requested our Chinese friends to enable us to improve our capability in manufacturing of medicines, medical equipment and training of personnel”. Dr Mahiga, who accompanied the PM at FOCAC, stated.

Cardiovascular complications are among non-communicable diseases that are on the rise in Tanzania and elsewhere in the region and therefore the facility is extended in order to cater for better treatment of heart diseases.

The Minister for Health, Community Development had made significant contribution by reducing referrals of heart patients by almost 85 per cent.