The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)'s Committee on General Purpose has praised Tanzania for making significant strides in the development of cardiovascular sciences and specialised cardiac healthcare services.
The committee is in Tanzania for a special four-day tour of the Centre of Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences, where members are assessing developments in cardiovascular education, training, technology and patient care.
Speaking after visiting the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), the Chairperson of the Committee, Mary Mugyenyi, said the delegation was impressed by the development of the institute and the quality of cardiac services being provided to patients.
Ms Mugyenyi said the visit gave the committee an opportunity to witness how modern technology is being applied in healthcare, tour the laboratory and observe the treatment services provided to cardiac patients.
She said the development of specialised cardiac facilities in Tanzania could help strengthen access to advanced heart treatment within the East African region and reduce the need for patients to travel outside Africa in search of specialised medical care.
“Today we have visited the heart institute, where we have actually seen the work in practice with the patients. We have seen the technological development, we visited the labs, and we are really impressed that such facilities are now available in East Africa,” Ms Mugyenyi said.
She added that the committee had also observed Tanzania's efforts to strengthen cardiovascular education and training, as well as the provision of specialised treatment to patients suffering from heart-related conditions.
The visit forms part of EALA's activities aimed at promoting cooperation, knowledge-sharing and the exchange of experiences among East African Community partner states, particularly in areas that contribute to improved healthcare services across the region.