DODOMA: Tanzania is steadily strengthening its position as one of Africa's emerging medical tourism destinations, following renewed calls by diplomats to promote the country's world-class healthcare services to international patients.
The call was made during a visit to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) in Dodoma, where Tanzania's Ambassador to Burundi, Gelasius Byakanwa, met Burundian children who successfully underwent life-saving surgery to correct congenital heart defects.
Ambassador Byakanwa commended the Government of Tanzania, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for making substantial investments in modern healthcare infrastructure, advanced medical technology, and specialist training. These investments, he said, have enabled Tanzania to offer healthcare services that meet international standards.
He acknowledged that he had initially referred the children to BMH with some uncertainty, as the hospital had not previously handled similar cases involving foreign patients.
"Benjamin Mkapa Hospital has exceeded my expectations. The successful treatment of these children proves that Tanzania has the expertise and capacity to serve patients from across Africa," he said.
Encouraged by the outcomes, Ambassador Byakanwa pledged to promote Benjamin Mkapa Hospital internationally and proposed organizing familiarization visits for African ambassadors accredited to Tanzania, allowing them to witness the hospital's advanced medical services firsthand.
He also praised Tanzania's successful designation as a regional Centre of Excellence for Bone Marrow Transplantation, noting that the achievement further strengthens the country's potential to become a leading destination for medical tourism.
Burundi's Ambassador to Tanzania, Leontine Nzeyimana, echoed these sentiments, expressing admiration for the hospital's modern facilities and specialized healthcare services.
"This is my first visit to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, and I did not expect to find facilities of this standard. Africa needs to know that such high-quality medical services are available here, close to home," she said.
She also applauded BMH's medical outreach initiatives in Burundi, describing them as an important step in strengthening healthcare cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Benjamin Mkapa Hospital Executive Director, Prof. Abel Makubi, attributed the hospital's growing reputation to the Government's continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, state-of-the-art medical equipment, and specialist capacity building.
He reaffirmed the hospital's commitment to expanding highly specialized medical services and forging strategic partnerships that will position Tanzania as a regional hub for advanced healthcare and medical tourism.
Why It Matters
As Tanzania continues to diversify its tourism offerings beyond wildlife safaris and beach holidays, medical tourism is emerging as a promising sector. The country's investments in modern healthcare, coupled with internationally recognized specialist services, have the potential to attract patients from across Africa and beyond, contributing to economic growth while enhancing Tanzania's reputation as a destination for both wellness and world-class medical care.
