Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) has received a generous donation of three advanced machines for diagnosing and treating eye conditions, valued at TZS 325 million.
The donation was made by the Westminster Cathedral Choir School in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with St. Thomas’ Hospital.
The equipment aims to improve the quality and accessibility of eye care services at MNH.
The donated machines include a device for delivering targeted radiation therapy to prevent blindness in patients with retinal problems caused by abnormal blood vessel growth or fluid accumulation.
Another machine is designed to treat clouding in patients who have undergone cataract surgery, eliminating the need for a return to the operating room.
The third is a portable eye ultrasound device that provides real-time results, enabling timely and accurate medical decisions even in operating rooms.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the MNH Executive Director, Dr. Rachel Mhaville, who also serves as Director of Surgical Services, praised the long-standing partnership with Westminster Cathedral Choir School and St. Thomas’ Hospital.
Over the past 17 years, this collaboration has provided training and essential medical equipment, bolstering the government’s efforts to deliver high-quality healthcare to its citizens.
Dr. Moin Mohamed, a Consultant Ophthalmologist from St. Thomas’ Hospital, emphasized that the partnership focuses on capacity building and equipping MNH with resources to provide specialized eye care.
He noted that the new machines would play a critical role in reducing preventable blindness in Tanzania.
Dr. Joachim Kilemile, an Ophthalmic Surgeon at MNH, expressed gratitude to the hospital’s leadership for nurturing the collaboration.
He also commended Dr. Mohamed for dedicating over five days to training MNH staff on the effective use of the equipment.
Dr. Kilemile highlighted that the advanced machines would enable faster and more affordable eye care for patients, ultimately benefiting many Tanzanians.