IT is not always common that you can see an ordinary Tanzanian going to hospital for checkup, unless of course one feels sick for medication.
I know that some critics will dismiss this statement outright, but we all know that is almost true.
Unfortunately, though, I too fall in the same group and rarely do I bother to go for medical checkup, because I have too many hassles to run to and going to the hospital while well could mean losing some deals in town. This has been so until my recent visit to New Delhi India, where my sister actually did make so much effort to convince me to undergo checkup as I was somehow feeling lazy to do so as usual. We took reference from some of the Tanzanians who recommended one of the hospitals out of Delhi, Fortis, on account that things could be done fast and meticulously with the support of a Liason Officer, who was there to handle all international patients.
I must admit I felt good for the first time to have received the royal treatment. So I got in contact with one Dr Akhilesh Joseph from Raphael Healthcare Solutions India, who I must admit was one among the most efficient persons one could possibly get in the medical field.
First of all, he handles all logistics and can assist you to scout for all social services from the time you arrive at the airport to the hospital.
So, before you embark into anything, Dr Joseph will share with you the special checkup package and the costs involved where you can decide depending on your pockets.
He would also ask you where your area of focus is and in case you have any medical conditions that you feel you will need checkup. The latter will then set the appointment for the test and will take you from one door to the other until it is done.
The next thing, he will set the appointment with the best doctor(s), where you will be told your diagnosis and measures to take.
What is more encouraging is the fact that most doctors at the hospital write things in a simple language, so simple that even an ordinary failure in mathematics like myself can understand. Better yet, all the doctors will provide their contacts where one could ask questions and share progress via whatsapp as you probably know it may take years before one can go there again.
I personally, went through more than 55 tests within the three days and managed to see most of the doctors that I needed to save for the few as my time there was short.
I must admit, I have never done so many tests at once, and it felt as if I was doing a total overhaul for my body where if compared to a car it would mean checking and overhauling the engine, gearbox and what have you.
Frankly now that I look back, the most expensive thing I see here is the plane ticket to India. Had it been cheaper, I would make a point to go to Fortis for checkup on a yearly basis. So, to brothers and sisters who travel, should you by any chance happen to go to India, just make a point to conduct a checkup as such chances are rare.
Before I conclude, let me mention that I was humbled to receive the best services from the best female doctors in India for my eyes as well as for internal medicine.
I felt good indeed. I will not undermine the fact that I also got attended by the best male doctors too, but taking into consideration the dynamics that girls face in the world, that was one of the greatest things to experience. Notably, my sister went through a robotic surgery conducted by female doctors at another hospital in India.
In case you plan to go there, an apartment is ideal in case you are there for several weeks and you can as well cook your ugali and beans as if you were home. You can also get some good taximen to take you around as there it is hectic, but Gutas and Bajajs are in abundance too.
The two hospitals that I was in had an international lounge with specific people to attend you and to get you settled. Should you wish to go for a shopping spree, well India has a lot to offer at an affordable price.
I believe Tanzania has a lot to learn from India in terms of medical tourism especially now that we have some of the major hospitals like JKCI and Mlonganzila making some good strides in the medical sector.
With the signing of a new agreement with Rwanda and Zambia, we too can strive to be the best and invest more in terms of equipment and personnel.
Rome was never built in a day, certainly, we don’t expect to be like India now, but who knows, in future, we may be able to become the India of Africa in terms of medical expertise and this could improve our economy.
An exchange programme for our medical students to learn in India could be ideal to improve our services.
Finally, let me thank all the nurses and doctors who attended me and say that I appreciate their sense of professionalism and empathy.
To Dr Joseph, thank you very much for your support as you made running around the hospital easier than it should have been. To my fellow Tanzanians, let me leave you with the quote from Dr Joseph that good health is one of the most important wealth one can have, so find time to conduct a checkup. Till then, Shukria. sangunangwa@gmail.com