The Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) has reinforced its position as a leading cardiac care center in Africa after performing a record 700 heart surgeries in 2025, the highest number ever achieved by a single hospital in the East and Central African region.
Located within the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) complex in Dar es Salaam, JKCI is increasingly positioning Tanzania as a regional hub for advanced cardiac treatment and medical tourism.
Speaking during a briefing with benefactors visiting the institute during International Women’s Day celebrations, Acting Managing Director Dr. Naizihijwa Majani said the milestone demonstrates the institute’s growing capacity to manage complex heart conditions that previously required treatment abroad.
“In 2025 alone we conducted about 700 heart surgeries, saving many lives at an affordable cost. No hospital in East Africa has ever reached this number,” Dr. Majani said.
The procedures included open-heart surgery, off-pump bypass surgery, and minimally invasive heart procedures, treatments that once forced many Tanzanians to travel overseas at high financial cost.
Government Investment Driving Progress
JKCI’s development dates back to 2008, when the governments of Tanzania and China partnered to establish the institute and strengthen specialized cardiac services in the country.
Under the partnership, Tanzanian doctors received advanced training abroad before the institute began performing complex heart surgeries locally in 2015.
Today, JKCI serves as a national referral center, treating patients from across Tanzania and neighboring countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“This growing number of regional patients shows the level of trust people now have in Tanzania’s cardiac expertise,” Dr. Majani noted.
Cost Challenges Remain
Despite the progress, the cost of heart surgery remains a major challenge for many families. A single procedure can cost up to TZS 12 million, depending on the complexity of the condition.
However, the Tanzanian government currently subsidizes around 70 percent of treatment costs, making life-saving cardiac care more accessible to patients.
To further support patients who cannot afford the remaining costs, JKCI staff established the Heart Team Africa Foundation (HTAF), which mobilizes resources to help patients access treatment.
“Through the foundation we ensure that no patient delays surgery simply because they cannot afford the remaining cost,” Dr. Majani explained.
A Regional Center of Excellence
Beyond patient care, JKCI has also become a training hub for cardiac specialists across Africa. Medical professionals from several countries travel to the institute to gain hands-on experience from Tanzanian heart specialists.
JKCI teams also conduct training and outreach programs in countries such as Comoros, Burundi, and Malawi, contributing to the expansion of cardiac care capacity across the continent.
“Our goal is not only to treat patients but also to strengthen cardiac care systems across Africa,” Dr. Majani said.
With its growing surgical capacity, expanding expertise, and regional training programs, JKCI continues to strengthen Tanzania’s reputation as a leading centre for specialized healthcare in Africa.
