KCMC targets cardiac treatment for northern regions

KILIMANJARO: THE KCMC Zonal Referral Hospital (KCMC ZRH) has embarked on a programme meant to establish a cardiac unit at the hospital which will contribute to providing cardiac treatment services to the people living in the northern regions of Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Manyara and Tanga.

This was stated recently by KCMC ZRH Executive Director (EDR), Professor Gileard Masenga during the occasion to mark the 99th KCMC Postgraduate Seminar which coincided with the First Cardiology Masterclass of the KCMC.

He said the proactive measures to establish the cardiac unit was meant to address pressing healthcare needs of the community including those related to cardiac problems.

“The KCMC ZRH’s medical records show that a total of 3,930 patients were meticulously analysed between 2019 and 2020; cardiovascular diseases emerged as the most prevalent diagnosis accounting for 26.8 percent of the admissions; it also constituted the leading cause of mortality, claiming the lives of 27.9 percent of KCMC ZRH’s patients,” he noted.

He said that in response to those compelling statistics, the KCMC ZRH embarked on a strategic plan to construct a State-of-the-Art Cardiac Center which will enhance cardiac health services through examinations, treatments and other cardiac related health services.

Prof Masenga expressed his gratitude to the zonal health’s partners in the United States, specifically Minnesota and those from the Netherlands, whom he said have generously dedicated their expertise, resources and unwavering support to KCMC ZRH to realise its vision of establishing a state- of-the art cardiac center.

According to him, the KCMC ZRH management had joined efforts with the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) to address the challenge of finding well-trained cardiac specialists needed to serve at the zonal health facility.

According to him, through that partnership, a team of KCMC ZRH’s physicians, nurses and technicians will undergo comprehensive training in cardiac care at a renowned center in Bangalore, India. He noted that, under the guidance of Dr Vib Kshettry, Director of MHIF’s Global Outreach Programme, the KCMC ZRH’s staff will be equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to spearhead the health facility’s cardiac center upon their return.

On his side, Director of the Muhimbili National Referral Hospital (MNH), Professor Mohamed Janabi said that the improvements that have been made and continued to be made by the government in improving the health sector in the country has reduced the number of patients who go abroad for cardiac related treatments by 95 per cent.

“Cardiac problems are amongthe leading health challenges facing the many countries in the world including Tanzania; the increasing number of people getting cardiac related challenges in Tanzania is alarming,” he said.