OVER 2,300 Dar es Salaam residents are expected to benefit from the knee, and hip surgeries, expected to take place between August 26 and 28, this year, organizers confirmed.

Abdulmalik Mollel, executive director of Global Medicare, who is also one of the medical camp organisers told reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday that Dr Ram Mohan Reddy and his team from Yashoda Hospital in India a knee and hip surgeon who will team up with local specialists at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH)-Mloganzila branch.

Mollel said that the specialized treatment will take place at the Mloganzila in Dar es Salaam, noting that Dr Reddy and his delegation will work with local specialists to build the capacity of Tanzanian doctors by sharing experiences. 

According to him, the collaboration aims to provide additional training that will enable local doctors to perform these surgeries independently in the future.

“Last year, we held a similar surgical camp, which was highly successful. Over 2,300 people needed this service, and our doctors did an excellent job working alongside foreign specialists. We anticipate that these experts in hip and knee surgery will provide treatment to many attendees who will undergo preliminary examinations,” he said.

He noted that for a long time, Tanzanians with health issues had to travel abroad for treatment. However, with significant government investment in the health sector, many Tanzanians are now receiving treatment domestically.

Mollel highlighted that the government has invested heavily in modern medical equipment and has trained numerous super-specialists in various fields.

“Tanzania is now equipped with state-of-the-art technology and qualified specialists on par with those in India and other countries. Therefore, it is an opportune time for foreign-qualified doctors to come to Tanzania and collaborate with local experts who have been performing admirably,” said Mollel.

He mentioned that the availability of high-quality medical services in Tanzania has attracted people from neighboring countries who prefer to seek treatment here rather than travel abroad, which is often more time-consuming and costly.

“The arrival of these medical doctors is a tremendous opportunity. Our doctors will benefit from their expertise, and if we possess the skills they lack, they will learn from our local practitioners. With the government's investment in the health sector, Tanzania is becoming a hub for medical tourism in East Africa and beyond the Sahara Desert,” Mollel added.

“Yashoda is one of the largest hospitals in the world, with 4,000 beds, and is renowned for its high standards. In May 2023, a delegation of Tanzanian doctors visited Yashoda to understand what sets them apart from other institutions. We learned why patients worldwide prefer to seek treatment in India,” he said.

Mollel also mentioned that the delegation's goal is to gain insights into what has made YASHODA a global leader in medical tourism and to implement similar practices to enhance Tanzania's reputation as a center for medical tourism.

“One of the successes of our visit to India last year was the arrival of doctors from Yashoda, a hospital known for its first-class quality and standards and its extensive global network due to its expertise,” he added.

“Global Medicare manages top-tier health services for those needing treatment abroad and for international patients coming to Tanzania. All preparations for the camp are complete, and our doctors are ready,” Mollel concluded.

He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to establish Tanzania as a premier destination for medical tourism, supported by President Samia Suluhu Hassan's significant investments in medical equipment and local doctor training through the Samia Scholarship programme.