KILIMANJARO: THE Moshi-based Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Zonal Referral Hospital (KCMC) in Kilimanjaro Region is expected to start providing specialised cardiac treatment and care early next year.
This was revealed by the hospital’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Gabriel Chisseo, while presenting a report on the hospital’s development as part of the zonal health facility’s 55th anniversary celebrations since its establishment in 1971.
“The construction of a Cardiac Centre at the hospital is a decision taken by the management to respond to concerns of citizens in the Northern Zone who are forced to travel to Dar es Salaam or even abroad to seek treatment for heart diseases,” he said.
Mr Chisseo added that a study conducted by KCMC Hospital shows that between 30 and 40 per cent of patients receiving cardiac treatment in Dar es Salaam annually come from the Northern Zone regions of Arusha, Tanga, Kilimanjaro and Manyara.
He noted that these figures are supported by the increasing number of patients visiting the hospital’s cardiac clinic.
“Since the establishment of the cardiac clinic, we have been receiving between 40 and 60 patients daily with heart-related complications, and those requiring advanced treatment are referred to the Dar es Salaam-based Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI),” he said.
Commenting on the ongoing construction of the cardiac centre, which is expected to cost 25bn/-, Mr Chisseo said the project has reached 35 per cent completion and is expected to be completed by January 2027.
He said the funds have been sourced from various partners, including organisations and friends of KCMC ZRH both inside and outside the country.
ALSO READ: Boost for cardiovascular diseases treatment at JKCI Dar Group
Mr Chisseo urged institutions and members of the public to continue supporting the hospital by contributing to the ongoing cardiac centre project.
“The hospital management has established procedures through which institutions and individual citizens can contribute to the development of this important centre. The aim is to involve all stakeholders in supporting an institution that serves more than 11 million people in the northern regions of Tanzania and neighbouring countries every year,” he said.
He noted that the 100-bed capacity cardiac centre will mark another major milestone for KCMC ZRH in the medical field as the institution celebrates 55 years of service, following the introduction of a cancer care centre a few years ago.
Mr Chisseo further said that, as part of preparations for the establishment of the cardiac centre, the hospital has facilitated specialised training for its health professionals abroad to strengthen their expertise in cardiovascular treatment.
“Treating cardiovascular diseases requires a joint effort from doctors across several specialised fields, including cardiology, vascular medicine, neurology and interventional radiology, among others. That is why our staff have been given opportunities to enhance their skills through advanced training,” he said.