Chato Zonal Hospital opens doors to medical tourism

GEITA: CHATO Zonal Referral Hospital (CZRH) has officially started receiving international patients from neighbouring countries, including Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), seeking specialised medical services.

The Acting Director of Chato Zonal Referral Hospital, Dr Oswald Lyapa told leaders from the ruling party- Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and government officials during their visit to the hospital that the hospital now attend patients from various countries in the region.

The visit was part of activities to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the late President John Magufuli.

Dr Oswald explained that the hospital’s ability to attend international patients is due to its wide range of specialised services, supported by state-of-the-art medical equipment such as MRI, CT scans, heart disease diagnostic tools and 10 dialysis machines.

He noted that the hospital serves between 105 and 130 patients daily, including an average of 10 referral cases per day.

ALSO READ: Chato zonal referral hospital to offer oxygen therapy

“On average, we receive around 20 international patients per month, most coming from Burundi, with a significant number also arriving from Rwanda and DRC. These patients mainly seek treatment for heart diseases, orthopaedic conditions and surgeries, including prostate issues and infertility treatments,” stated Dr Oswald.

He further emphasised that offering medical services to international patients not only increases the hospital’s revenue but also contributes to the local economy through medical tourism.

Chato Member of Parliament, Dr Medard Kalemani, provided an update on the hospital’s completion, stating that the total cost of the project is projected to be 38.75bn/-.

He noted that 18bn/- had already been allocated and used under the 5th phase government.

Meanwhile, the national Deputy Chairperson of the CCM Youth Wing (UVCCM) Ms Rehema Sombi, urged hospital staff and the local community to protect the hospital’s infrastructure to ensure its long-term sustainability.