Tanzania eyes AFCON 2027 to boost medical tourism
Tanzania is set to leverage the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to establish itself as a leading destination for medical tourism. Speaking on Thursday, stakeholders emphasised the country's efforts to promote its healthcare infrastructure and successful medical advancements to attract international patients.
For the first time, Tanzania, along with Kenya and Uganda, will jointly host a continental football tournament. Dr. Asha Mahita, the Medical Tourism Coordinator from the Ministry of Health, outlined the government's proactive measures, including encouraging hospitals to obtain full accreditation to assure high-quality services.
In 2023, Tanzania's top six hospitals treated 6,931 foreign patients, up from 5,705 in 2022. From January to May 2024, 3,651 patients have already been treated. Dr. Heri Marwa, PharmAccess Tanzania's country director, stressed the importance of maintaining international standards and using digital channels to raise awareness about the quality of available medical services.
Vice Chairman of the National Medical Tourism Committee, Mr. Abdulmalik Mollel, confirmed Tanzania's readiness to welcome medical tourists, highlighting the country's advanced technology and medical expertise. Tanzania aims to capitalise on the AFCON event to boost its profile as a premier medical tourism destination in Africa.
Source: The Citizen
