Lake Zone residents see benefits of the Egyptian specialized medical camp

MWANZA: TANZANIANS, particularly residents of the Lake Zone and neighboring regions, are set to benefit from specialized medical services provided locally, reducing the costs and challenges faced by patients who travel abroad for treatment.

The initiative was announced today by Executive Director of Tanlink Medical Tourism Agency Dr. Fyumagwa Hassan, during the launch of a specialized medical camp focusing on conditions affecting the head, brain and spine. The camp is being conducted by specialist doctors from Egypt in collaboration with doctors from Royal Hospitals of Tanzania in Mwanza.

Dr Hassan said the treatment program began today and is scheduled to run until October 2 this year. The initiative is expected to treat between 300 and 400 patients during the week, with plans to establish the specialized services on a sustainable basis.

He said the program supports the government’s vision of promoting medical tourism in Tanzania and positioning the country as a regional hub for specialized medical services in East Africa.

According to Dr. Hassan, the initiative will allow Tanzanians to access appropriate medical care at more affordable costs while reducing the financial burden and logistical difficulties associated with seeking treatment abroad.

He said some patients are forced to spend millions of shillings on travel and medical treatment overseas, despite the availability of similar services locally at significantly lower costs.

“For instance, the cost of traveling to Egypt from Dar es Salaam is 2.8m/-. If the procedure is performed in Tanzania, the cost is 70 percent lower compared to traveling abroad for treatment,” he said.

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Dr Hassan added that some surgeries performed in Tanzania can cost up to 70 percent less than similar procedures abroad. He cited cases in which treatments costing about 10 m/- shillings overseas could be performed at a substantially lower cost in Tanzania.

For his part, Royal Hospital Manager Dr. Adam Bahati said the facility has modern equipment and infrastructure needed to provide specialized care to patients.

He said the services would cover a range of conditions affecting the nose, throat, back, head and spine, catering to both children and adults.

Dr Bahati added that the hospital is equipped with diagnostic facilities, including CT scanners and MRI machines, while its operating theatres are ready to accommodate patients requiring surgery.

He said the initiative forms part of efforts to support the government’s goal of providing quality healthcare, emphasizing that a healthy population is essential for building a productive workforce and a productive nation.

Meanwhile,  a specialist from Andalusia Hospital in Egypt, Dr Mohamed Refaat said his hospital has been collaborating with countries including Tanzania, South Sudan and Uganda to perform surgeries and provide specialized treatment to patients.