TZ cardiologists build capacity to Zambian counterparts
FOUR cardiologists from the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) are in Zambia performing heart surgeries to build capacity among their Zambian counterparts.
The team of Tanzanian doctors is collaborating with colleagues from the Zambia National Heart Hospital during a week-long service in the country.
The head of the delegation, Dr Viviane Mlawi, a pediatrician from JKCI, said the team is also accompanied by a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist, an intensive care unit (ICU) medical doctor, a senior cardiac ICU nurse, and one ICU nurse.
Dr Mlawi said the main objectives of the trip are to perform heart surgeries for those in need in Zambia, build capacity among Zambian doctors in surgical techniques and share knowledge.
She also mentioned that another goal is to jointly review and identify areas where Tanzania can collaborate with Zambia to help Zambians receive specialist treatment quickly and at a low cost.
Dr Mlawi noted that the doctors will review and identify available medical devices and those that are lacking to strategise on how to improve services through collaboration.
She further highlighted plans to explore cooperation in research, technology, and basic areas where Tanzania leads in professionalism within the East and Central Africa region.
Dr Maiyer Msengi, an expert in managing patients abroad, emphasised that JKCI and the Zambia National Heart Hospital have numerous opportunities for cooperation that could benefit both countries.
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The spokesperson of the Zambia National Heart Hospital, Dr Chabwela Shumba, expressed optimism about the partnership, noting that the investment made by the Tanzanian government in JKCI’s modern equipment and resources will significantly benefit Zambia.
“We were very impressed by the large investment in modern equipment such as MRI, CT scans, human resources, technology, and the high number of successful heart surgeries,” said Dr Shumba.
