Harvinder Ahuja
INDIA’S involvement in Tanzania’s healthcare sector has been extensive and deeply impactful. Several prominent Indian healthcare organisations and pharmaceutical companies have established a strong presence in Tanzania, focusing on improving the availability of medicines, developing healthcare infrastructure, and providing specialised medical services. One of the most significant contributions has been in the provision of affordable medicines. Indian pharmaceutical giants like Cipla, Aurobindo Pharma, Sun Pharma, and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories have played a crucial role in supplying lifesaving drugs to Tanzania. These companies have ensured that essential medicines for treating conditions such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, respiratory diseases, and non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension are available at affordable prices.
This has not only improved public health outcomes but has also alleviated the financial burden on Tanzania’s healthcare system, allowing the Government to allocate resources more efficiently.
Vaccination campaigns
The Serum Institute of India, renowned for its vaccine production, has been instrumental in supporting Tanzania’s vaccination efforts. The institute has provided vaccines for diseases such as polio and measles, contributing to large-scale immunisation campaigns that have prevented outbreaks and protected countless lives.
More recently, India’s support has been vital in Tanzania’s campaign to vaccinate millions of girls against cervical cancer through the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. These efforts are helping to build a healthier future for Tanzania’s younger generations.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, Indian healthcare providers have invested in developing Tanzania’s healthcare infrastructure. Apollo Hospitals, for instance, has established telemedicine services and partnerships with local hospitals, enabling Tanzanians to access specialised medical care without having to travel abroad. Similarly, Fortis Healthcare has offered expertise in oncology and cardiology.
Training professionals
A key aspect of India’s contribution has been in training Tanzanian healthcare professionals. By providing education and hands-on training, Indian organisations are helping to raise the standard of healthcare in Tanzania. This capacity-building is crucial for ensuring that improvements in the healthcare system are sustainable, with local professionals equipped to maintain and advance the quality of care.
India’s contributions have had a ripple effect on Tanzania’s economy. The integration of Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare expertise has led to job creation, industrial development, and significant cost savings, all of which are essential for the country’s economic growth.
The establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and healthcare facilities has created numerous job opportunities. These investments generate direct employment in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors and create indirect jobs in related industries such as logistics, retail, and education.
The availability of affordable generic medicines from India has led to substantial cost savings for both the Government and the consumers. These savings allow the Tanzanian Government to invest in other critical areas of public services and infrastructure. Moreover, as Tanzania’s healthcare infrastructure improves, the country is positioned to become a regional hub for medical tourism.
Covid-19 challenges
During the Covid-19 pandemic, India’s support was instrumental in mitigating the impact of the virus in Tanzania. Through Serum Institute, India was a key supplier of Covid-19 vaccines. The timely provision of these vaccines allowed Tanzania to begin its vaccination campaign promptly, helping to curb the spread of the virus. In addition to vaccines, India supplied essential medical equipment such as ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE), which were crucial in managing the pandemic.
With travel restrictions in place, accessing healthcare had become a significant challenge during the pandemic. Indian healthcare providers like Apollo Hospitals expanded their telemedicine services to Tanzania, allowing patients to consult with their specialists remotely.
Indian experts also provided crucial training for Tanzanian healthcare workers on managing Covid-19, particularly in critical care and infection control. This training was essential in enhancing the local healthcare workforce’s ability to handle the pandemic, reducing mortality rates, and improving patient outcomes.
Significant benefits
The partnership between India and Tanzania in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors is a model of effective international cooperation. This collaboration has already yielded significant benefits for Tanzania’s healthcare system and economy, and the potential for future growth remains substantial. Continued investment in local pharmaceutical manufacturing could further reduce Tanzania’s reliance on imports and strengthen its position as a regional leader in the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, there is a potential for developing more specialised medical centres, building on successful initiatives like the planned kidney transplant centre.
Expanding training programmes for Tanzanian healthcare professionals will be crucial for sustaining the improvements made in the healthcare sector. Continued collaboration with Indian institutions could lead to the establishment of medical training schools or exchange programmes, further enhancing the skills and capabilities of Tanzania’s healthcare workforce.
