Prof Sarungi, a worthy life dedicated to healing, service

DAR ES SALAAM: FORMER cabinet ministers, academicians and government leaders have joined other Tanzanians to mourn Professor Philemon Sarungi, a prominent surgeon, medical educator and former cabinet minister, who was promoted to glory on Wednesday evening.

They said the news on Prof Sarungi’s demise was received with a lot of sadness, especially because they all knew him as a great leader, a talented and prominent surgeon who tirelessly and courageously served his nation in various capacities.

They said Prof Sarungi demonstrated the selfless leadership and set a great example that inspired many. Former Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlement Developments, Prof Anna Tibaijuka said Tanzanians have lost a renowned doctor, a leader and a women’s rights activist.

She recounted that in 1972, while at JKT Ruvu, she was brought to Muhimbili in critical condition where Prof Sarungi diagnosed and treated her neck disease that had been troubling her for many years.

“In 1972, while I was at JKT Ruvu, I was brought to Muhimbili in critical condition. He diagnosed and treated a neck disease that had been troubling me for many years. I had almost lost hope. In 1986, I had a back problem and got dislocated. He kept me in bed for two months and treated me, while joking with my husband to find another wife because this one (Anna) is paralysed,” Prof Tibaijuka wrote on her X.

She added that in 1994, when Prof Sarungi was the Minister for Education and Culture, he allowed, through a letter, teachers from primary schools nationwide to participate in seminars started and spread by the Tanzania Women’s Council (BAWATA), even though some other leaders were skeptical about the council.

Prof Tibaijuka said Prof Sarungi’s name takes a place in a list of great leaders in the country.

She wrote: “You have taken your place in the history of great leaders of this nation. You fought good battles.” Former Minister and Regional Commissioner, Mr Paul Kimiti said he was greatly saddened with the news on demise of Prof Sarungi.

He described the fallen Prof Sarungi as the dedicated servant who prioritised national interest in every ministry he was entrusted to lead.

“I had the opportunity to work with him. He was truly a leader with whom we collaborated well. He was an honest and hardworking person who disliked laziness and irresponsibility. That is why in every ministry he worked in, he made a significant impact,” said Mr Kimiti.

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Mr Kimiti, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Former Regional Commissioners Unit, described the late Prof Sarungi as a person of exceptional and indisputable capabilities.

He said that Prof Sarungi worked in several ministries, including the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education, despite being outside his area of expertise. He also served in the Ministry of Health, where he excelled remarkably.

Mr Kimiti further described the renowned orthopaedic specialist as a very close family friend. He recalled how Prof Sarungi once advised him to take his child to India for specialised treatment due to the lack of spinal surgery equipment locally.

Mr Kimiti also shared a valuable lesson he learned from Prof Sarungi on the importance of respecting one’s work.

“I remember joking with him once where he he told me, ‘Play with your salary, not with the job you’re entrusted with.”

He added: ‘This meant that you only earn a salary because you have a job, and if you take that job for granted, you may lose it and jeopardise your future.”

Prominent investor, Mr Mohamed Dewji said Tanzania has lost a remarkable leader and a true patriot.

He said: “I have lost a dear friend. Prof Philemon Sarungi was not only an esteemed surgeon and a true patriot, but also one of the loyal and passionate members of the Simba SC family,” said Mr Dewji, who is also a President of Simba Sports Club.

Prof Sarungi passed away due to heart disease at the age of 88 in Dar es Salaam, according to the family spokesman, Mr Martin Sarungi.

He added that the family is also mourning Mr Emmanuel Sarungi, a young brother to Prof Sarungi who also passed away in Mwanza upon learning of his brother’s death.

Professor Sarungi, was born on March 23, 1936 in Tarime Mara, with his early life marked with commitments to public service and transforming the health sector.