Tanzania has taken another major step towards strengthening specialized healthcare services following the inauguration of a state-of-the-art cardiac diagnostic laboratory at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), a facility expected to improve the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases while reducing the need for patients to seek care abroad.
The laboratory, launched on Friday by the Minister for Health, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, forms part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise the health sector and expand access to advanced medical services for Tanzanians.
The new facility is housed within JKCI’s Administration and Diagnostic Building, a government investment worth about Sh9.7 billion, aimed at enhancing the institute’s capacity to provide specialized and super-specialized cardiac services.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Mr Mchengerwa said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that Tanzanians access quality healthcare supported by modern technology and highly skilled professionals.
“Ten years ago, many people viewed the idea of a modern cardiac centre in Tanzania as an ambitious dream. Today, we are witnessing the results of deliberate government investment, strategic planning and the dedication of our healthcare professionals,” he said.
The minister noted that JKCI has evolved into one of the country’s most important health institutions, providing life-saving services to thousands of patients and significantly reducing the costs associated with overseas treatment.
He said the institute has helped Tanzania build local expertise in advanced cardiac care, including heart surgeries, specialized diagnostics, training of medical personnel and internationally recognised research.
According to Mr Mchengerwa, JKCI has also become a regional referral centre, attracting patients from across East and Central Africa and strengthening Tanzania’s reputation as a destination for specialized healthcare services.
“Today we are not merely opening a building. We are expanding the nation’s capacity to prevent, diagnose and treat heart diseases. This investment will save lives, improve service delivery and support future advancements in cardiac care,” he said.
JKCI Executive Director, Dr Peter Kisenge, said the newly commissioned laboratory incorporates artificial intelligence technology and is the first of its kind in East and Central Africa.
He said the institute’s growing capabilities have enabled Tanzania to save more than Sh93 billion by performing heart surgeries and other advanced procedures locally that would otherwise require treatment abroad.
Dr Kisenge revealed that JKCI provided cardiac care services to 2,577 Tanzanians in 2025 alone, reflecting both increased demand and improved access to specialized treatment.
He added that the new laboratory will enhance the accuracy and speed of diagnosis, allowing doctors to detect heart conditions earlier and provide more effective treatment.
The launch comes at a time when non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular illnesses, are becoming a growing public health concern in Tanzania and across the region.
Health experts say investments in advanced diagnostic infrastructure are critical for improving treatment outcomes, reducing healthcare costs and strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to the increasing burden of heart disease.
With the new laboratory now operational, JKCI is expected to further consolidate its position as a leading centre for cardiac care in Sub-Saharan Africa while supporting the government’s goal of bringing world-class healthcare services closer to Tanzanians.
