Tanzania’s drive to build a self-reliant healthcare system received a fresh boost on Thursday after the government inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), a move expected to strengthen governance, attract strategic partnerships and accelerate the expansion of advanced cardiac services.
The inauguration, officiated by Minister for Health Mohamed Mchengerwa in Dar es Salaam on June 12, comes as JKCI continues to emerge as one of the country’s leading centres for specialised heart treatment, helping reduce the need for patients to seek costly medical care abroad.
Addressing the newly appointed board members, Mr Mchengerwa urged them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and a strong sense of public service to support the government’s broader agenda of improving access to quality healthcare.
He challenged the board to work closely with JKCI management in mobilising resources and forging partnerships that can support the institute’s long-term growth and sustainability.
“I urge you to actively engage stakeholders and development partners in supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare services. The health sector requires collective action, and boards have a critical role to play in attracting support that complements public investment,” the minister said.
He noted that JKCI has become a symbol of Tanzania’s growing capacity to provide highly specialised treatment locally, describing the institute as a model of excellence within the country’s health sector.
The minister also called on medical specialists and healthcare professionals to communicate more effectively with the public about the institute’s achievements, arguing that many Tanzanians remain unaware of the significant advances that have been made in cardiac diagnosis, treatment and surgery.
“Many citizens still do not know the extent of the services available at JKCI. Our specialists should use the media to share these successes and demonstrate how far the country has come in strengthening cardiac care,” he said.
JKCI has in recent years expanded its range of specialised services while investing in modern technology and advanced medical expertise, positioning Tanzania among a growing number of African countries capable of handling complex heart conditions that previously required treatment overseas.
Speaking after the inauguration, the board’s chairperson, Dr Hassan Mshindo, pledged to implement the minister’s directives and work towards transforming JKCI into a leading cardiac centre in Africa.
“We have received the guidance provided by the minister and are fully committed to delivering on our mandate. Our goal is to ensure that JKCI continues to grow into a centre of excellence serving not only Tanzania but also the wider East, Central and African regions,” Dr Mshindo said.
He said the board would focus on strengthening institutional governance, expanding strategic partnerships and supporting innovations that improve patient care and operational efficiency.
Dr Mshindo also praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising investment in the health sector and creating an enabling environment for specialised institutions to thrive.
He further commended Mr Mchengerwa’s leadership, saying the minister’s results-oriented approach had contributed to renewed confidence in the country’s healthcare system.
The launch of the JKCI Board of Trustees reflects the government’s broader strategy of investing in specialised healthcare services, reducing dependence on foreign treatment and ensuring that more Tanzanians can access life-saving medical care within the country.
For many health sector observers, the move represents another milestone in Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to transform its healthcare landscape and build institutions capable of delivering world-class treatment closer to home.
