The Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) spends over TZS 1 billion every year about TZS 200 million monthly to provide free heart treatment to patients who cannot afford the high costs associated with specialized care and advanced medical technology.
JKCI Executive Director Dr. Peter Kisenge revealed this on January 3, 2026, during a free health screening and diagnostic outreach program at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC).
More than 1,000 residents of Arusha and nearby areas benefited from the services under the “Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan Outreach Program.”
Dr. Kisenge said the initiative is part of the Sixth Phase Government’s commitment to expanding access to specialized health services, particularly for heart disease and other non-communicable conditions, to all citizens regardless of their financial capacity.
The services were delivered by a team of JKCI specialist doctors led by Dr. Kisenge over several days, from January 3 to 7.
“The goal of this outreach is to encourage early health screening to detect diseases before they become severe,” Dr. Kisenge said. “Early detection can prevent serious complications such as heart failure, kidney damage, or stroke.”
Free services included heart assessments using Echo and ECG tests, alongside other essential screenings for non-communicable diseases.
During the outreach, 36 patients were referred to JKCI in Dar es Salaam for advanced care. Some require specialized coronary artery examinations using Cath Lab technology, while others need heart valve surgery or blood pressure management.
Residents diagnosed with high blood pressure without prior awareness received nutrition advice, professional counseling, and treatment to prevent future complications, including kidney failure and heart strain.
Dr. Kisenge urged Arusha residents and those from neighboring regions in Northern Tanzania to regularly undergo health screenings, noting that serious heart conditions can exist even in people who appear healthy.
In a major development, JKCI has entered a 20-year partnership with ALMC, under which the hospital will provide heart care services supervised by JKCI. Basic diagnostic and treatment services for heart disease are now available in Arusha, while advanced surgical procedures remain under JKCI supervision.
The partnership also recognizes Arusha’s role as a tourism hub and host city for upcoming AFCON events, bringing specialized health services closer to residents and visitors without the need to travel to Dar es Salaam.
Residents with heart problems or other non-communicable diseases are encouraged to visit ALMC for services under JKCI management.