Benjamin Mkapa Hospital seeks $17 billion for transplant services expansion

Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) requires 17 billion Tanzanian shillings to enhance its kidney and bone marrow transplant services for patients in need. The hospital's acting executive director, Dr. Abdallah Baja, stated that the cost of a kidney transplant is 45 million shillings per patient, while a bone marrow transplant costs 75 million shillings, making these treatments unaffordable for many.

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Living is everyone's right. We thank NHIF for its contribution in covering treatment to a certain extent, but we still need more help for these patients.

Dr. Baja urged Tanzanians to contribute to a special fund to assist patients who cannot afford the medical expenses. He expressed gratitude to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for its partial coverage but emphasized the need for additional support. Despite government subsidies, the funds are insufficient due to the increasing demand for these services.

A fundraising campaign is underway, with its climax scheduled for July 15 and President Samia Suluhu Hassan expected as the chief guest. Irene Kataraihya, NHIF manager for the Dodoma region, highlighted the importance of health insurance, noting that the fund covers tests, medications, and post-surgery care for these conditions. The government allocates 48 billion shillings annually for vulnerable households to access medical services.

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Treatment is expensive, which is why health insurance is indispensable. For these diseases, the fund helps pay for tests, medications, and post-operative medical care.

Dr. Ayubu Mashambo, a specialist in kidney diseases at BMH, reported that since the hospital began offering kidney transplants in 2020, 56 patients have received the service, including three foreign nationals. Initially, the hospital collaborated with Japanese experts, performing 11 transplants in 2020, but now the service is fully managed by local specialists. Dr. Happiness Igogo, a blood disease specialist, added that 30 children with sickle cell disease have successfully undergone bone marrow transplants.

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We started by collaborating with experts from Japan and provided services to 11 patients in 2020. Currently, this service is fully provided by local experts.