Top hospitals, including Muhimbili, Aga Khan, confirmed for CHAN 2024
TANZANIA: The Ministry of Health has named several leading hospitals to provide specialist care throughout the tournament.
For international teams and visiting supporters, priority medical attention will be available at Muhimbili National Hospital, Mloganzila, Aga Khan Hospital, Saifee Hospital, the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), and the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI).
These referral facilities will serve as the primary points of care, particularly for emergencies.
In Zanzibar, the Ministry of Health has appointed Lumumba Regional Referral Hospital as the central hub for specialist medical services during the tournament.
This was confirmed by the Deputy Minister for Health, Khamis Hassan Hafidh, during an inspection visit to the facility on Friday.
Mr Hafidh met with medical personnel to assess the hospital’s preparedness to manage potential health issues during CHAN 2024. He described Lumumba Hospital as a flagship institution for both citizens and international guests, highlighting significant government investments in advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies.
“The Zanzibar government expects Lumumba Hospital to deliver world-class care during CHAN 2024. We’ve equipped the hospital with the necessary tools to meet the demands of such a major event,” he stated.
He urged doctors and health professionals to remain vigilant throughout the tournament, reinforcing Zanzibar’s commitment as a co-host to provide seamless medical support.
Lumumba Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Yasser El-Bahy, confirmed that the facility is fully operational and ready for the championship. “We’ve implemented all required measures to ensure we offer specialist services to athletes, officials, and guests during CHAN,” he said. “Our equipment is state-of-the-art, and we’re ready to handle any emergencies that may arise.”
The Deputy Minister’s visit was accompanied by representatives from the CHAN Medical Committee, officials from the Zanzibar Ministry of Health, and delegates from the Amaan Complex Stadium.
To enhance emergency response capacity, a dedicated medical helicopter—operating as an air ambulance—will be available during the tournament. Dr Christina Lwambano, Secretary of the CHAN 2024 Medical and Anti-Doping Secretariat, confirmed the helicopter can transport up to three patients at once, allowing for rapid medical evacuation without the delays often caused by road traffic.
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Dr Lwambano also outlined stringent anti-doping protocols in line with Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations. “At every match, four players—two from each team—will undergo doping tests,” she said, underlining the organisers’ commitment to clean sport.
In further preparation, four medical rooms have been set up across tournament stadiums, each equipped to CAF standards. These will provide immediate care to players injured on the pitch.
