JKCI adopts smart technology to enhance cardiac care

ARUSHA: THE Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) has launched a digital patient registration system and the state-of-the-art “Dozee” technology, which enables patient monitoring even while they are at home.

The launch took place yesterday in Arusha, with the Minister of Information, Culture, and Sports who is also the Member of Parliament for Arusha Urban, Paul Makonda, during the on going free medical camp

Speaking during the launching, Makonda said this investment positions Tanzania among the leading nations in Africa in adopting digital innovations to improve healthcare services and realize the goals of the National Development Vision 2050.

Makonda noted that the use of technology in patient registration, medical record-keeping, and post-treatment monitoring aligns with the Government’s vision of building a nation with an economy driven by knowledge, science, and technology.

At the camp, JKCI showcased a technology system known professionally as Dozee, which is capable of monitoring a patient’s condition in real-time whether they are hospitalized or have been discharged to return home.

Dozee is a system that utilizes a specialized device placed under the patient’s mattress to monitor key health indicators without the need to attach multiple devices directly to the body.

Dr Kisenge stated that the system can monitor a patient’s vital signs including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure.

He stated that data collected through the system can be transmitted digitally to the doctor including via mobile phone enabling them to monitor the patient’s health status even while away from the hospital or engaged in other activities.

He explained that the technology aims to help reduce preventable deaths, particularly those occurring due to sudden changes in a patient’s condition after they have been discharged and are at home.

“Often, after patients are discharged, their condition can change abruptly. Blood pressure may drop, heart rate may spike, or blood oxygen levels may fall. Through this technology, the doctor can receive timely information and intervene early, before the patient’s condition becomes critical,” said Dr Kisenge.

He stated that the system would not only benefit heart patients and those who have undergone surgery, but could also be used to monitor patients with other health conditions.

He cited the example of patients with severe malaria, who may experience sudden changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels.

According to Dr Kisenge, timely monitoring of these indicators can help healthcare professionals detect risks early, locate the patient, bring them back to the hospital if necessary, and provide appropriate treatment.

He stated that investment in the system places JKCI among the leading institutions in the use of modern patient monitoring technologies, noting that similar technology is also employed in countries such as India and the United States.

Dr Kisenge attributed this success to the significant investment made by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government to strengthen specialized and super-specialized healthcare services in the country.

In addition to the Dozee system, he mentioned that JKCI continues to enhance specialized services through its partnership with the Arusha Lutheran Medical Center (ALMC).

He stated that a modern echocardiogram machine has already been installed at the hospital, with plans underway to add other state-of-the-art equipment and services—including CT scan, MRI, and a Cath Lab—to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities for heart diseases and other conditions requiring specialized care.

Dr Kisenge noted that the goal is to transform Arusha Lutheran Medical Center into a “One-Stop Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases,” offering a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment services at a single location.

Through this center, he explained, patients will be able to access diagnosis, treatment, and cardiac surgery services without having to travel to other regions to seek such care.

He added that this investment is also part of Tanzania’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, ensuring that visiting teams, officials, guests, and Tanzanians alike can access high-quality specialized healthcare services.