THE Democratic Republic of Congo has requested Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) to hold a special heart treatment camp in the country to promote unity and cooperation in health sector and medical tourism.

Jean Pierre Masala, Ambassador of DRC to Tanzania made the request at the weekend in Dar es Salaam when he visited the institute to see opportunities available for cooperation between Tanzania and the DRC.

Ambassador Massala said that due to the existing cooperation between DRC and Tanzania in various fields, it is good that greater cooperation should be in the health sector and to provide opportunities for professionals in DRC and Tanzania to exchange knowledge.

"I have seen a huge change compared to previous years when I visited; this is an opportunity for us Congolese to cooperate with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters. We can also bring our doctors here at JKCI to share experience and learn," he said.

"I think it's time for JKCI to set up a special heart treatment camp or open a branch in DRC if possible. We are ready to buy all the medical equipment needed for treatment and JKCI will provide us with experts."

JKCI Executive Director Dr Peter Kisenge said that there has been good cooperation between Tanzania and DRC and that he will talk to leadership of the Ministry of Health to set strategies to facilitate cooperation, especially in treatment of heart diseases.

"I warmly welcome my brothers and sisters from DRC and others from Africa and outside Africa because many heart treatment services that were being done outside our continent are now being offered here  at a cheap price and with high quality here at JKCI," he said.

The visit by Ambassador Massala to JKCI was a preparation to receive doctors from DRC who are expected to arrive in the country TODAY for benchmarking at JKCI.