Tanzania’s medical tourism ambitions soar as Kairuki Hospital trains Kenyan specialist

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s ambition to position itself as a medical tourism hub in Sub-Saharan Africa is gaining momentum, with Kairuki Hospital taking a significant step forward by providing cutting-edge training to specialist doctors from Kenya.

This development is not just a testament to Tanzania’s growing reputation in healthcare but also a strategic move that aligns with the country’s broader healthcare goals.

Recently, Kairuki Hospital hosted a delegation from the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Kenya (KOGS), led by its president, Dr Frederick Kireki.

The delegation’s visit, aimed at promoting medical tourism and enhancing healthcare services across East Africa, underscores the hospital's pivotal role in leading Tanzania's charge toward becoming a centre of medical excellence.

During the visit, Kenyan doctors received hands-on training in High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), an advanced, non-invasive technique for removing fibroids without surgery.

This is a significant leap in medical technology, particularly in a region where access to such sophisticated treatments has been limited.

Additionally, the delegation was introduced to the Green IVF fertility treatment, another groundbreaking service offered by Kairuki Hospital.

Speaking during the event, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Kairuki Hospital, Dr Muganyizi Kairuki, emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in achieving healthcare milestones.

"This partnership with our colleagues from Kenya is vital, not just for sharing knowledge, but for conducting joint research that will benefit the entire East African region," said Dr Kairuki.

"We are committed to leading in healthcare innovations and ensuring that Tanzania remains at the forefront of medical advancements in Africa."

President of KOGS, Dr Frederick Kireki, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to learn from Kairuki Hospital’s expertise.

"The ‘Patient First’ approach at Kairuki is something we can all learn from. It’s clear that Tanzania is setting new standards in patient care, and we are excited to bring this knowledge back to Kenya," he said.

The significance of this collaboration cannot be overstated. As Tanzania continues to invest heavily in healthcare infrastructure and modern equipment, the country is steadily advancing its goal of becoming a medical tourism hub.

The expansion of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiovascular Institute (JKCI) to a 50,000 square metre facility at Mloganzila is a clear indication of this commitment.

JKCI is poised to be a centre of excellence, catering to patients from across East Africa and beyond, offering specialised treatment for cardiovascular diseases, which are on the rise globally.

The new JKCI facility will include a dedicated pediatric wing with a capacity of up to 350 beds, significantly increasing the institute’s ability to treat heart conditions in children.

This expansion will not only serve local patients but also attract those from neighboring countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, and the Comoros.

This strategic move by Kairuki Hospital to provide advanced training for doctors from the region is a crucial part of Tanzania’s healthcare vision.

By leading the way as a private hospital, Kairuki is setting a precedent for other institutions to follow.

The hospital’s efforts align with Tanzania’s broader healthcare goals, particularly in the area of medical tourism, which is slowly but surely becoming a reality.

The presence of advanced medical services like HIFU and Green IVF at Kairuki Hospital, combined with the expanding capabilities of JKCI, positions Tanzania as a rising star in the global healthcare landscape.