Tanzania to expand medical tourism offerings with liver transplants

Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) executive director Mohamed Janabi said at the weekend that preparations for the liver transplant programme were underway.

The move, he said, was in line with the government’s strategy to bring advanced healthcare services closer to home, reducing reliance on overseas medical referrals.

“The cost of a liver transplant abroad ranges from $25,000 to $27,000 (about Sh66.4 million to Sh71.7 million). These costs cover the procedure, hospitalisation and post-operative care for both the patient and the donor,” said Prof Janabi, adding that offering the service locally would significantly reduce costs for Tanzanians.

He revealed that MNH has partnered with globally recognised hospitals, including Fortis Hospital in India, to develop local expertise. The collaboration includes joint medical camps where specialists assess and treat patients while training Tanzanian doctors.

“This week, Fortis Hospital experts joined our team, evaluating over 100 patients with liver conditions. They also assessed our infrastructure, including ICU and laboratory facilities, confirming that MNH is ready for this service,” Prof Janabi said.

A liver transplant specialist from Fortis Dr Gaurav Gupta, and Business Director at Vaidam Health, Ms Jenifer Choudhary, assured their support to ensure MNH meets international standards for liver transplantation.

Statistics from MNH indicate that over 600 patients in Tanzania currently need liver transplants, a figure that underscores the urgency of establishing local services. Currently, patients are referred abroad for the procedure, with costs exceeding TSh71.7 million per case.

The hospital’s records show that 60 percent of patients admitted to the gastroenterology and hepatology unit suffer from liver diseases, often diagnosed at advanced stages.

A gastrointestinal surgery specialist at MNH, Dr Kitembo Salumu, said that over 5,000 liver patients are being managed at the hospital. Of these, 2,333 have liver tumours, and 607 have been diagnosed with liver cancer.

“Transplantation is the only viable treatment for patients with cirrhosis or liver cancer. Other conditions may be managed through less invasive treatments,” he noted.

A hepatology specialist at MNH, Dr Swalehe Pazi, said that liver transplants involve a rigorous screening process to match donors with recipients.

“The procedure takes at least 10 hours and involves extensive preparation, including pre-surgery evaluations for both donor and recipient to ensure compatibility and minimise risks,” said Dr Pazi.

The program will be supported by specialists who underwent advanced training in India in 2017. Their expertise has already enhanced MNH’s capabilities in managing complex liver conditions, such as removing stones and unblocking bile and pancreatic ducts.

The introduction of liver transplant services is expected to boost Tanzania’s profile as a medical tourism hub. Since 2017, the country has expanded its offerings to include kidney transplants, cochlear implants, bone marrow transplants, and IVF procedures, drawing patients from across the region.

Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and chemical exposure, are the leading causes of liver disease in Tanzania. Infections such as hepatitis A, B, and C also contribute significantly.

Key symptoms of liver disease include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal swelling. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible damage.

Tanzania is also drafting legislation to regulate organ donation and establish organ banks, a move that will further support advanced medical care and improve access to life-saving treatments.