Neelam Ismail: Pioneering change in Tanzanian healthcare

Dar es Salaam. A ray of light emerges from Dr Neelam Ismail, who advocates for family medicine as a transformational strategy in Tanzania's healthcare system, where preventable diseases frequently claim lives because of delayed detection and inadequate primary care.

Armed with a passion for holistic healthcare and a vision to revolutionise medical practices, Dr Ismail stands as a testament to the power of dedication and innovation in the medical fraternity.

Born out of an enthusiastic desire to shift the paradigm from reactive to proactive healthcare, Dr Ismail's journey into medicine began with a fervent commitment to alleviate suffering.

After graduating from Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, she embarked on a path driven by empathy and a thirst for knowledge.

However, it was during her tenure in the emergency department that she experienced a profound epiphany.

Reflecting on her experiences, Dr Ismail shares: "By the time most people come to the emergency department, they are already very sick. How can we prevent it before it becomes worse?"

This pivotal question catalysed her decision to delve into family medicine, recognising it as a potent tool in disease prevention and early intervention.

Undeterred by challenges and fueled by determination, Dr Ismail pursued a four-year master's programme in family medicine, graduating amidst the tumult of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Her academic prowess was complemented by firsthand experience, as she balanced her studies with the responsibilities of motherhood, showcasing her commitment to both personal and professional growth.

As a certified breastfeeding specialist and a faculty trainer at Aga Khan University, Dr Ismail's expertise transcends conventional boundaries.

Her dedication to child health, lactation, and preventive medicine underscores her holistic approach to patient care. She emphasises, "As a family physician, I attend to all patients regardless of age or gender, focusing on comprehensive wellness and continuity of care."

However, Dr Ismail's aspirations extend beyond individual practice; she envisions a healthcare landscape where family medicine thrives as a cornerstone of primary care.

In a nation where the discipline is still in its infancy, she ardently advocates for its integration into public health and allied sciences institutions like Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas).

Her goal is clear: “to democratise access to quality healthcare and empower communities to take control of their well-being.”

In her pursuit of change, Dr Ismail confronts systemic barriers with resolve. She acknowledges the uphill battle, stating, "Family medicine is a new topic in Tanzania, but the need for family physicians is high."

Dr Ismail is contemplating the current situation in which the government is expanding access to healthcare services for Tanzanians by building more healthcare centres every year, especially to ensure the attainment of universal healthcare across the country.

According to experts, many centres, especially those in rural areas, lack specialised medical experts who can detect the extent of the problem at the primary level and provide early solutions.

They attribute this situation to a shortage of healthcare professionals distributed across all hospitals and health centres. However, Dr Ismail believes that having many family or general medicine experts in the country could help change the tide.

"Imagine having just one doctor capable of diagnosing and treating all diseases simultaneously and having a mechanism to follow up on the patient. This is the main way we can reduce congestion in referral hospitals as patients are overwhelmed despite passing through health centres," she explains.

He notes that in other countries, family medicine has been prioritized due to the ability of specialized doctors to handle any type of illness beforehand.

"Why have other countries succeeded in implementing this programme in undergraduate studies? It's because they have realised that this is the permanent solution," she says, adding, "It's not that this will replace other professionals; it's about simplifying and speeding up treatment for the patient."

Undeterred by scepticism, she champions awareness and education, striving to illuminate the indispensable role of family medicine in safeguarding public health.

Dr Ismail's vision extends beyond the confines of hospital walls; it encompasses a reimagined healthcare ecosystem where prevention supersedes cure.

With a fervent belief in the power of early intervention, she asserts, "My dream is to see that most people are not getting severely sick. We must intensify prevention." Her advocacy resonates with a sense of urgency, urging stakeholders to prioritise investment in primary care and community health initiatives.

As she continues to navigate the intricacies of Tanzanian healthcare, Dr Nilaam Ismail stands as a formidable force for change. Her journey embodies resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to a healthier, more equitable future for all.

In her quest to champion family medicine, she not only transforms lives but also paves the way for a paradigm shift in medical practice—“one centred on prevention, empowerment, and holistic wellness.”

Through her tireless efforts, Dr Ismail says she illuminates a path forward—a path where the promise of family medicine catalyzes societal transformation and the realisation of a healthier, more resilient Tanzania.