ONE of India’s leading diagnostics service providers has expressed commitment to partnering with the government and private health service providers to address critical gap in laboratory services.

Dr Rameez Patvegar, clinical pathologist and head of technical operations at Metropolis, made the pledge at the weekend during a meeting with doctors, laboratory experts and hospital owners where he outlined comprehensive services that Metropolis offers.

During the meeting, Dr Patvegar shared insights into the new technologies employed by Metropolis, which enhance their ability to deliver accurate results.

He emphasised the urgent need for the health sector to utilise Metropolis diagnostic laboratories and collaborate to rapidly expand essential services across various regions.

He noted that Metropolis is the only facility in Tanzania providing over 3,000 specialised tests for patients with cancer, allergies and genetic-related conditions.

“We have made significant investments in quality. It’s not just about testing; it’s about delivering excellence. Our reports are highly accurate and affordable. We see a substantial gap in healthcare services in Tanzania and we are committed to filling that void,” he said.

He said that in India, Metropolis has invested heavily in the public sector and called on local stakeholders and the Tanzanian government to partner with them to ensure their services meet international quality standards.

“Most of our laboratories worldwide are accredited and comply with the same standards, allowing us to provide superior services compared to other facilities. Many local laboratories struggle due to limited networks or a lack of expertise but we offer top-tier expertise,” he said.

Metropolis Country Head Imtiaz Shaikh emphasised the laboratory’s expansive reach, noting that it is currently present in seven countries with over 70 branches and plans to open an additional 50.

Shaikh underscored the importance of enrolling Tanzanians in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to alleviate the financial burden of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

“Among those seeking services, very few are enrolled in health insurance. It’s crucial that we advocate for our people to register with NHIF to ensure access to necessary healthcare services,” he said.

He said through the initiatives, Metropolis aims not only to enhance laboratory services but also to positively contribute to the overall healthcare landscape in Tanzania, ultimately improving patient outcomes.