JKCI efficiency impresses Burkina Faso government

DAR ES SALAAM: The Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) has officially entered into a cooperation agreement with the government of Burkina Faso in the aimed at enhancing specialized heart disease treatment services.

The agreement signed in Dar es Salaam is expected to strengthen advanced healthcare delivery and save the lives of Burkina Faso citizens suffering from heart complications.

Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, JKCI Executive Director Dr. Peter Kisenge said the partnership will cover various areas, including the training of health professionals, joint research initiatives, and support in equipping Burkinabe medical experts with the skills to operate cardiac medical equipment. Additionally, patients requiring surgical procedures not available in Burkina Faso will be referred to JKCI for treatment.

Dr. Kisenge further noted that under this agreement, JKCI specialists will travel to Burkina Faso to provide training, while their counterparts from Burkina Faso will come to Tanzania for hands-on learning in cardiac treatment. The cooperation is designed to improve service delivery and ensure patients receive high-quality, modern healthcare.

Regarding medical equipment procurement, Dr. Kisenge explained that both parties agreed to source the necessary devices through the Medical Stores Department (MSD), which is the official supplier of medical equipment for JKCI. This arrangement will enhance transparency and efficiency in the acquisition of cardiac treatment tools.

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In his address, Dr. Kisenge expressed heartfelt gratitude to President of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her continued efforts in strengthening cardiac healthcare services. He noted that Tanzania’s progress in this field has made the country a benchmark for others, attracting international interest in JKCI’s model of care.

Dr. Kisenge also commended the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, for placing trust in Tanzania by sending his health experts to collaborate with JKCI. He described the partnership as a historic milestone and a significant step in the growth of medical tourism within the health sector.

On his part, Drissa Traore, Health Advisor to the President of Burkina Faso and National Coordinator of the Presidential Health Program, said this was the delegation’s second visit to JKCI. He explained that they were impressed by the quality of services and the excellent management at the institute.

Traore affirmed that Burkina Faso holds great hope in this collaboration, recognizing Tanzania as a vital partner in advancing public health through training, research, and treatment of heart diseases.