LUKUMAY OPENS DOORS FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP TO STRENGTHEN CANCER SERVICES IN TANZANIA
By Joseph Ngilisho | Arushadigital | INDIA
The Member of Parliament for Arumeru West Constituency in Arusha Region, Johannes Lembulung Lukumay, has continued efforts to seek international partnerships aimed at improving healthcare services in Tanzania after visiting Rajagiri Hospital located in the state of Kerala in southern India.
The visit, conducted on March 5, 2026, aimed at learning and exchanging ideas on the best approaches to strengthen the use of modern technologies in the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases in Tanzania, while also exploring training opportunities for Tanzanian health professionals.
Rajagiri Hospital is regarded as one of the technologically advanced healthcare facilities in India, renowned for its use of modern medical equipment including PET Scan technology and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis and treatment of various human diseases.
During the visit, Dr. Lukumay held discussions with the hospital’s leadership to explore possibilities of supporting the strengthening of two key health institutions in Tanzania: Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Olturumet District Hospital.
According to Dr. Lukumay, Ocean Road has made significant progress in providing cancer treatment services following the government’s acquisition of a modern PET Scan machine used for early detection of cancer and accurate monitoring of treatment progress.
He explained that the investment is part of major improvements in the health sector being implemented by the government under the leadership of Samia Suluhu Hassan, where more than 6.7 trillion Tanzanian shillings have been directed toward strengthening health infrastructure, purchasing modern medical equipment, and improving the quality of services for citizens.
“The government has made substantial investments in the health sector, and what is now needed is to ensure our professionals receive adequate training to effectively utilize these modern technologies so that citizens can fully benefit,” said Dr. Lukumay.
At Olturumet District Hospital, the facility already operates a Mammography machine used for breast cancer screening, a service that has begun assisting many women in early detection of the disease.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI) to facilitate specialized training for health professionals from Ocean Road and Olturumet hospitals in India on the use of PET Scan and Mammography machines.
Additionally, specialist doctors from Rajagiri Hospital are expected to visit Tanzania to provide practical training for health workers operating these machines as well as other modern medical technologies procured by the government.
As part of strengthening the cooperation, senior leaders from Rajagiri Hospital are expected to make an official visit to Tanzania in April 2026, where they will tour various institutions including Ocean Road Cancer Institute, the Prime Minister’s Office – TAMISEMI, and the Arusha City Council.
The visit is expected to mark the beginning of broader professional cooperation between Tanzania and India in the health sector, particularly in the fight against cancer and the use of modern medical technologies in treatment.
The initiative is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare services in Tanzania to ensure citizens can access advanced treatment within the country without the need to travel abroad.
Ends
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