Specialist camp saves 2bn/- in overseas treatment costs

ARUSHA: THE government has saved more than 2bn/- in overseas medical expenses after more than 300 patients received specialist and super-specialist treatment locally during the first day of a medical camp at JKCI-ALMC Hospital in Arusha.

The camp, which ran from Monday to Thursday, aimed at bringing specialist and super-specialist medical services closer to residents of Arusha and neighbouring regions.

It was organised by Global Medicare in collaboration with JKCI-ALMC, Apollo Hospital of India, Muhimbili National Hospital, MOI, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and Sino Hospital.

The hospital’s cardiologist and Medical Director, Dr Saleh Mwinyichete, said the 2bn/- was an estimate of what the patients would have spent if they had travelled to India for treatment, excluding expenses for accompanying persons and travel costs.

He said the services supported government efforts to bring specialised healthcare closer to the people. “These patients who came here today would have spent approximately 2bn/- if they had travelled to India to seek treatment from doctors there.

ALSO READ: JKCI cuts overseas referrals, saves 95bn/-

This figure does not include the cost of accompanying persons or the time they would have spent,” Dr Mwinyichete said.

He said the money could instead be retained in the country for other development activities because the specialised services had been brought closer to patients.

Dr Mwinyichete said the camp had provided services for neurological conditions, including patients who required surgery, as well as orthopaedic, hip and joint conditions, urinary system disorders, kidney disease, prostate conditions and heart disease.

Residents received preliminary tests and consultations with specialists free of charge.

However, patients who required further examinations or treatment following the initial assessment were required to pay for the services, although they could use health insurance.

“Where further examinations or treatment are required, a patient may have to contribute towards the cost. However, they can also use their health insurance, and various payment options are allowed,” he said.