KCMC launches a 2.7bn/-fundraising drive for the construction of the Cardiac Unit

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), a referral hospital serving Tanzania’s northern zone, has launched a fundraising drive to collect 2.7bn/-to complete the construction of a major heart disease treatment center.

 The facility is expected to become the second of its kind in Tanzania after the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI).

Speaking in Dar es Salaam, the hospital’s Director, Professor Gileard Masenga, said the new cardiac institute will serve a large number of citizens and help reduce the burden currently handled by JKCI in Dar es Salaam.

He noted that construction of the center has reached 35 percent completion, and specialists who trained abroad are already back in the country awaiting its completion so they can begin work.

“Completing this facility requires a total of 22.5bn/-. So far, international partners have covered 90 percent of the cost, leaving 10 percent—equivalent to 2.7bn/-,” he said.

He added that the remaining funds are expected to be raised through contributions from Tanzanians, which is why the hospital has launched a public fundraising campaign.

He further explained that several heart specialists have already been trained abroad, including some through the government’s “Samia Scholarship” program, and are ready to begin work once the facility is operational.

The hospital has already provided phone numbers and a dedicated account for public contributions, assuring that all funds will go directly to the project.

Pediatric cardiologist Dr Ronald Mbwasi said that once completed, the center will treat heart and blood vessel diseases.

“Seventy percent of deaths worldwide are caused by non-communicable diseases, and 80 percent of those are due to heart conditions. This highlights the importance of this center, which will benefit not only northern residents but all Tanzanians,” he said.

He added that many heart patients lose their lives due to long distances to access care and the high cost of treatment. For example, transporting a critically ill heart patient by air can cost at least7,000  US dollars, which is unaffordable for many.

Dr Siraj Mtulia, Director of Tanlink Health Care, which is partnering with KCMC to raise funds, urged Tanzanians to treat the project as a national priority and support its completion.

“Once completed, this center will serve all Tanzanians. Let us support KCMC in finishing this project,” he said.