New cardiac clinic promises more relief for patients
DAR ES SALAAM: IN a bid to bring heart treatment services closer to the citizens, the government, through the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), is set to officially launch a new heart clinic in Dar es Salaam next month.
The clinic, located in Kawe at Mkapa Health Plaza building, will serve patients from various areas in Dar es Salaam Region, including Kawe, Tegeta, Bunju, Mbweni, Mbezi Chini, Mwenge and Bagamoyo among others.
According to the JKCI Director, Dr Peter Kisenge, the new facility is in line with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to ensure that citizens not only receive quality services but also have easy access to them.
Addressing the journalists yesterday at the celebration of World Heart Day held in Dar es Salaam, JKCI boss, Dr Kisenge said the presence of the clinic in Kawe will help reduce the burden on citizens travelling long distances to seek services at JKCI headquarters in Upanga.
JKCI celebrated the day that is internationally marked on every September 29 annually by providing free heart screenings to citizens. This year’s theme is “Use Heart for Action.”
He also added that the new facility will feature high technology machines with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to screen patients.
He also said that the clinic will provide various services related to illnesses, including emergency services 24 hours.
ALSO READ: JKCI organizes free heart screening camp
“JKCI has continued to reach out to citizens by expanding services. Here in Dar es Salaam, we will have three branches, including JKCI Dar Group, Oysterbay and the Mkapa Health Plaza in Kawe,” Dr Kisenge said.
Dr Kisenge also urged Tanzanians to change their lifestyles by focusing on a balanced diet, along with regular exercise, to avoid heart diseases.
“Research shows that if you exercise for 30 minutes three times a week, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.”
Additionally, he called on Tanzanians to abandon excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, as these habits increase the likelihood of developing heart conditions.
He also recommended reducing carbohydrate intake, especially in the evening, to prevent heart-related issues.
He also advised Tanzanians to conduct regular health checkups to identify potential cardiac-related ailments at an early stage.
“The government has made significant investments in the health sector; every regional hospital has ECHO machines and ECG equipment,” he said, adding: “let us take advantage of the available facilities to protect ourselves against heart diseases, as these conditions can lead to poverty for families due to the high cost of treatment.”
“The cost of heart surgery ranges from 8 m/- to 15m/-,” he said.
