JKCI, ALMC commit to providing quality health services during AFCON finals

ARUSHA: THE Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), in collaboration with Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC), has formed a special committee to improve health infrastructure and services in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be hosted by Tanzania.

The initiative aims to ensure that football fans and citizens receive quality health services during the tournament.

Speaking to journalists in Arusha yesterday, the Executive Director of JKCI, Dr,Peter Kisenge, said the hospital is currently renovating its Intensive Care Unit (ICU), increasing the number of modern hospital beds, and installing advanced medical equipment such as CT Scan and Cathlab machines for diagnosing heart conditions and detecting blockages in blood vessels.

 Dr Kisenge added that the hospital will also use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to simplify communication between doctors and patients. The system will assist in collecting patient information at early stages, whether the patient is at the stadium or in the hospital.

He explained that these preparations are intended to ensure that anyone who experiences health problems at hotels, stadiums, or hospitals receives prompt and quality care, alongside patients already receiving treatment at JKCI branches in Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

JKCI also plans to hold discussions with the government to secure a designated area within the stadiums where emergency health services can be provided to fans and players.

Medical services will also be available at Selian Hospital in Arusha, where fans and players will be able to register and consult doctors through a modern facial recognition system.

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Dr Kisenge said that if a patient develops bone-related problems or other health complications, an ambulance will be dispatched to pick them up wherever they are, including hotels. Additionally, a special health monitoring technology known as “Dozee” smart bedsheets will be used to track patients’ health conditions. JKCI also plans to collaborate with Air Tanzania to facilitate access to medical services for visitors traveling to Tanzania for the tournament, as well as health check-ups at the institute’s branches.

“In preparation for AFCON, we are committed to ensuring patients receive quality services by integrating sports and health services through modern infrastructure and artificial intelligence technology,” said Dr Kisenge.

He added that the hospital will also feature modern toilets, improved ICU facilities, and a well-designed garden environment to help patients feel more comfortable during treatment.

A special digital system will also be introduced to allow patients to register, make payments, and access medical services quickly without long waiting times.

Meanwhile, Selian Hospital (ALMC) in collaboration with JKCI is conducting a free medical camp for screening kidney diseases, urinary system disorders, and vascular conditions as part of activities marking World Kidney Week.

Dr Saleh Mwinchete said the main celebration will take place on March 12, while free medical services will be offered from March 9 to March 13.

He noted that more than 10 specialist doctors from the Benjamin Mkapa Institute, together with doctors from JKCI and ALMC, are participating in the camp.

Dr Mwinchete encouraged the public to attend the screenings in large numbers, noting that patients will also receive services such as screening for erectile dysfunction, vascular surgery, heart and urinary system treatment, as well as consultation and procedures for dialysis access for patients with kidney problems.