EALA COMMITTEE VISITS EA CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR CARDIOVASCULAR SCIENCES TO ASSESS PROGRESS IN REGIONAL HEALTH INITIATIVES
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Committee on General Purpose visited the Centre of Excellence for Cardiovascular Sciences at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Mloganzila Campus, to assess progress in operationalizing key regional health initiatives.
The visit provided an opportunity for committee members to assess progress in developing the Centres of Excellence, including infrastructure and equipment, specialist training programmes, research and innovation initiatives, and the delivery of specialized health services.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Mary Mugyenyi, said the engagement provided a platform for exchanging experiences, understanding achievements, identifying challenges, exploring opportunities and recommending measures to strengthen the Centres’ contribution to the East African region.
The delegation received briefing reports from the Director of the Centre of Excellence for Cardiovascular Sciences and the Dean of the School of Dentistry on the East African Centre of Excellence in Oral Health Sciences. The presentations highlighted the Centres’ contributions to expanding training, advancing health services and strengthening infrastructure.
Members appreciated the progress and achievements made by MUHAS through the two Centres of Excellence in Oral Health Sciences and Cardiovascular Sciences.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of MUHAS, Prof. Emmanuel Balandya, highlighted the contribution of Government-funded Centres of Excellence to specialized medical services, teaching and health research in Tanzania and East Africa. He noted progress in cardiovascular disease management, improved healthcare services and reduced referrals abroad.
Prof. Balandya further noted that MUHAS is implementing Phase II of the construction project, involving the construction of a modern 600-bed specialized cardiac hospital. Funding has been secured, and procurement of a consultant is underway.
The visit was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and members of the MUHAS Project Implementation Committee.
