DR. BITEKO LAUNCHES NON-SURGICAL TUMOR REMOVAL TECHNOLOGY.

📌 First time in East and Central Africa
📌 Applauds Kairuki Hospital for offering a 50% discount to the first 50 patients
📌 Says Government will continue strengthening collaboration with the private sector
📌 Urges Ministry of Health officials not to fear learning from private sector successes
📌 300 patients have benefited from the non-surgical tumor removal technology

By the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko, has launched a new medical technology for tumor removal without surgery, known as High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), at Kairuki Hospital in Dar es Salaam. This marks the first time such a service has been introduced in East and Central Africa.

Speaking during the launch on August 27, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Biteko commended the management of Kairuki Hospital and its founders, the late Dr. Hubert Kairuki and his wife, for their courage and innovation in introducing HIFU. He emphasized that the technology places Tanzania on the map as a pioneer in offering non-surgical tumor treatment in Africa, a move that will also generate national revenue.

He noted that before this, HIFU services in Africa were only available in Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Dr. Biteko also praised Kairuki Hospital for offering a 50% discount for the first 50 patients within the first month of the launch. He described this as a humanitarian gesture that demonstrates compassion and supports the government’s vision of making healthcare affordable for all Tanzanians.

He further stressed that this milestone reflects the government of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to promoting private sector growth and partnerships in delivering modern medical services within the country.

Additionally, Dr. Biteko commended Kairuki Hospital for establishing an Emergency Services Department capable of serving over 9,000 patients annually.

He called on officials from the Ministry of Health to embrace learning opportunities from the private sector when it excels, instead of limiting engagement to regulatory inspections. He emphasized that the government’s ultimate goal is to ensure quality healthcare delivery through strong public-private cooperation.

On a request made by Kairuki Hospital to construct a 300-meter tarmac road leading to the facility to improve service accessibility, Dr. Biteko directed the Kinondoni Municipal Council to follow up and take action.

Representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Mwinyikondo Amir highlighted that the event signifies the strong collaboration between the government and private health institutions in improving healthcare access and quality for citizens.

He said the Ministry of Health has long partnered with Kairuki Hospital in several areas, including health insurance services, and reaffirmed their shared responsibility to advance the Vision 2050, which aspires to build a healthy society.

The Chairperson of the Kairuki Health and Education Organization Board, Kokushubila Kairuki, thanked the government for recognizing the contribution of the private sector in strengthening healthcare in Tanzania.

She noted that under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the health sector has achieved remarkable progress, and Kairuki Hospital will continue to support these efforts in line with Vision 2050, aimed at creating a strong economy and a healthy nation.

She revealed that the installation of the HIFU technology cost TZS 12.3 billion.

Furthermore, she explained that before the official launch, over 300 patients had already undergone screening, with 298 receiving treatment.

Earlier, Acting Director General of Kairuki Hospital, Dr. Onesmo Kaganda, said the launch of HIFU was historic, as it is the first time the service has been made available in East and Central Africa.

He explained that the technology, which is already in use in Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa, utilizes advanced sound waves to treat various types of tumors without the need for surgery. These include both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors in areas such as the breast, pancreas, uterus, and prostate.

Dr. Kaganda outlined several benefits of HIFU treatment, including the absence of surgical scars, no need for anesthesia, faster recovery, no need for blood transfusions, reduced medical costs compared to seeking treatment abroad, and enhanced effectiveness of cancer drugs. It also helps to slow down cancer progression and reduce pain for cancer patients.

He added that the HIFU machine began operations in December 2023, and since then, 303 patients have been screened, with 298 successfully treated, showing positive results.

He emphasized that introducing the technology aligns with the government’s efforts to position Tanzania as a hub for medical tourism in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Kaganda also praised President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for creating an enabling environment for partnerships between the government and private sector.

On the newly launched Emergency Services Department, he said it has the capacity to handle over 9,000 cases annually and is well-prepared to respond to emergency situations.