EXECUTIVE Director of the Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI), Dr Mpoki Ulisubisya has called on various stakeholders to support the treatment of children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida currently receiving care at the Institute.

Hydrocephalus and spina bifida are congenital (present at birth) conditions that affect the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord.

His appeal came during an award ceremony held in Dar es Salaam yesterday to recognise contributions of Zarnat Datoo and Jamie Satchell, a couple from the United Kingdom (UK), who funded the treatment of 10 children suffering from the conditions.

Dr Ulisubisya expressed gratitude for their support but emphasized the ongoing need for more contributions, especially as many of the children come from impoverished families. 

He explained that the burden of raising these children often falls on their mothers alone, as many fathers abandon their families.

“MOI is your home, come anytime. We thank you very much for your contribution, which has made the treatment of these children successful,” Dr Ulisubisya said. 

He added: “We ask that this contribution should not be the last. Please continue the spirit of giving and helping.”

The   director also urged Tanzanians, organisations, businesses, and government institutions to lend their support to the treatment of children at the Institute, as there is a growing number of patients in need of care.

In response, Zarnat Datoo shared that she and her husband Jamie Satchell have long been dedicated to supporting children in challenging circumstances around the world. 

“We are not very rich, but we help with what God has blessed us with. It’s part of our culture to help children, especially those in difficult environments,” she said. 

She said the donation marks the eighth phase of their ongoing support to children at MOI, and Zarnat promised they would continue to offer assistance as much as possible to save children's lives.

Meanwhile, MOI has announced plans to launch a digital system aimed at reducing the long queues patients face when seeking services at the institute. 

Dr Laurent Lemeri, the director of brain surgery services, revealed that the new system would allow patients to make appointments with specialists, pay fees online, and bypass long waiting times when they arrive at the hospital.

“In a few days, we will reduce the queues significantly. The new system will allow patients to book appointments using their phones, receive a payment number, and pay from home. When they come to the hospital, they can go directly to the doctor’s room,” Dr Lemeri said.

The system will also streamline services such as laboratory tests and radiology, allowing patients to pay in advance and directly access these services upon arrival.

In addition, Dr. Lemeri urged Tanzanians to embrace health insurance, stressing that widespread participation would significantly strengthen the fund and improve access to a variety of healthcare services across the country.