JKCI steps up healthcare preparations for AFCON 2027

ARUSHA: THE Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), in partnership with Global Medicare, is strengthening the capacity of JKCI-ALMC Hospital (Selian Urban Hospital) in Arusha through strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, advanced medical technology and state-of-the-art medical equipment.

The investment forms part of preparations to enhance healthcare service delivery ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), while establishing sustainable improvements in healthcare services for communities across Tanzania’s Northern Zone.

JKCI Executive Director, Dr Peter Kisenge, said yesterday that the preparations involve substantial investment in emergency medical services, sports medicine, diagnostic equipment, patient monitoring technologies and enhanced capacity to provide specialised and super-specialised healthcare services.

He said the partnership with Global Medicare has contributed significantly to infrastructure improvements and the acquisition of advanced medical technologies, with some of the new equipment already at various stages of delivery and installation at JKCI-ALMC.

“We have partnered with Global Medicare to ensure that this hospital is upgraded in terms of infrastructure and medical equipment. Our doctors have already visited and assessed some of the equipment, which is now undergoing the installation process,” Dr Kisenge said.

Dr Kisenge disclosed that more than TZS 8 billion has already been invested in various improvements at JKCI-ALMC, including infrastructure rehabilitation, procurement of medical equipment, strengthening orthopaedic services and the development of dedicated VIP rooms.

He said some of the VIP rooms are equipped with advanced facilities capable of supporting high-quality medical care and can be converted into Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities depending on patients’ clinical needs.

Dr Kisenge further said that one of the major objectives of the ongoing investment is to transform JKCI-ALMC into a Smart Hospital, where technology will be integrated across the entire patient care journey.

“Our vision is to automate every process. Upon arrival, patients should be able to register through digital systems, undergo diagnostic tests and monitoring using modern technologies, while doctors will use computers equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support their clinical work,” he said.

The hospital is also expected to receive advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) Scan and Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) equipment, which will significantly enhance its diagnostic and treatment capacity, particularly for cardiovascular conditions.

Dr Kisenge said JKCI is also continuing to deploy advanced patient monitoring technologies capable of detecting changes in vital health indicators, including blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation levels.

In addition, the Institute plans to deploy modern self-screening health equipment at selected locations expected to receive visitors during AFCON, supporting early detection of potential health conditions.

JKCI-ALMC Hospital Director, Dr Tatizo Waane, said the hospital is fully committed to providing quality healthcare services to residents, football players and international visitors expected to visit Arusha during the 2027 AFCON tournament.

He said JKCI-ALMC is among the hospitals that have undergone assessments as part of preparations to strengthen healthcare services during the continental football competition.

“We have strengthened our emergency services, upgraded our wards and established dedicated areas that are ready to provide medical care to residents, visitors and athletes who may require medical attention during the tournament,” Dr Waane said.

He added that the hospital is prepared to manage sports-related injuries, including orthopaedic and joint injuries, brain injuries, neurological conditions and other medical complications associated with sporting activities.

According to Dr Waane, JKCI-ALMC already provides specialised healthcare services in cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, general surgery, paediatrics, ophthalmology, ear and related conditions, as well as internal medicine.

The hospital also provides healthcare services for children below the age of 18, including newborns and premature babies, alongside laboratory and other diagnostic services.

“Our commitment is to ensure that every resident, visitor or athlete who experiences a medical emergency can confidently rely on JKCI-ALMC to receive the appropriate medical attention,” he said.

Dr Kisenge said AFCON preparations will also involve deploying medical teams to sporting venues, providing ambulances and establishing dedicated health screening facilities.

He said JKCI has established a special committee to coordinate and oversee the preparations, ensuring that all the necessary healthcare services and facilities are in place before and throughout the tournament.

The Institute is also advancing preparations for specialised Sports Medicine services, focusing on the assessment, treatment and continuous monitoring of athletes’ health.

Dr Kisenge and Dr Waane emphasised that the investment at JKCI-ALMC goes beyond the 2027 AFCON tournament, noting that the improvements will deliver lasting benefits to residents of Arusha and the wider Northern Zone.