Lusaka. Zambia's Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa has praised Tanzania's Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (MZRH) for expanding access to specialised healthcare in the Southern African region, describing its services as a key contributor to medical tourism and regional economic cooperation.
Mr Kangwa made the remarks during a visit to the hospital's exhibition stand, alongside the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), at the Tanzania Pavilion during the 98th Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka.
He said the hospital's participation in the exhibition reflects this year's theme, "Fostering Trade and Investment," by showcasing healthcare services that can attract patients from across the region while strengthening economic ties between neighbouring countries.
The Zambian official expressed particular interest in the hospital's specialist services, including cardiac care, orthopaedic treatment, spinal surgery, advanced maternal healthcare and fertility treatment.
According to him, the availability of such services within the region presents an opportunity for Zambians and other Southern African citizens to access quality medical care without travelling long distances or seeking treatment outside the continent.
His remarks come amid growing efforts by Tanzania to position itself as a regional healthcare hub through investments in specialised medical infrastructure and expertise.
The Mbeya-based facility, which serves patients from Tanzania and neighbouring countries, has increasingly attracted cross-border referrals due to its expanding range of specialist services.
The hospital's stand has also emerged as one of the major attractions at the exhibition, drawing healthcare stakeholders, business leaders and members of the public interested in learning more about treatment options available in Tanzania.
The growing interest highlights the role of healthcare in advancing regional integration and economic diplomacy, with medical tourism emerging as an increasingly important sector within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).