Hundreds of residents in Zanzibar have turned out in large numbers to receive free specialist health services offered by the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), as part of the ongoing 20th Government Communication Officers’ Work Session at Amaan Stadium.
The medical outreach, which began on April 3 and will continue through April 7, 2025, provides a range of expert health services aimed at reaching underserved communities.
These include eye examinations, blood pressure checks, kidney function assessments, mental health screenings, and nutritional counseling — all offered at no cost by Muhimbili’s team of specialist doctors and health professionals.
The initiative is part of MNH’s broader effort to extend access to quality healthcare beyond hospital walls and into the heart of communities.
It also supports government efforts to raise awareness of preventive health and encourage early diagnosis.
“This program is a reflection of our commitment to serve all Tanzanians, regardless of where they live,” said a senior MNH official at the event.
“Bringing specialist care closer to the people helps address long-standing challenges in access to health services, especially in remote or underserved areas.”
For many Zanzibaris, the opportunity has been life-changing. Fatma Suleiman, a resident of Zanzibar Town, said she had never undergone a kidney health check-up before.
“I’ve always wanted to know about my kidney health, but I couldn’t afford specialist care. This was a golden opportunity for me,” she said.
Ramadhani Juma, another attendee, shared how a simple eye check led to a significant improvement in his daily life.
“I’ve been struggling with blurred vision for years, but never took it seriously. Today I got tested and received reading glasses. I can already see a difference,” he said, smiling.
The outreach has been widely welcomed by local leaders and citizens alike, who praised the hospital for bringing its expertise directly to the people.
Beyond diagnosis and treatment, the program is also helping to educate the public about the importance of regular health check-ups and lifestyle changes.
With three days remaining, even more residents are expected to benefit from the services. MNH is urging the public to take full advantage of the remaining days, particularly those who have never received specialist consultations.
“This is more than just treatment — it’s a step toward building a healthier, more informed community,” the MNH official added.