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| Guest of Honour and Treasury Registrar, Nehemiah Mchechu (second right), receives a dummy cheque from NMB’s Director of Investor Relations, Sustainability and Corporate Communications, Innocent Yonazi (first left), during a fundraising gala for the Kidney Transplant Initiative Fund at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. Also present are the Hospital’s Director General, Prof. Abel Makubi (second left), and NHIF Director of Medical and Technical Services, Dr. Raymond Mwenesano (first right). |
In a significant boost to Tanzania’s healthcare sector, NMB Bank PLC has pledged TZS 500 million to support the expansion of specialized medical services at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital.
The funding, which will be disbursed over a two-year period, is set to enhance the provision of bone marrow treatment and kidney transplant services—two of the most critical and high-cost procedures in the country.
A Strategic Investment in Healthcare
The announcement was made during a high-level fundraising event held at Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam, bringing together key stakeholders from public and private sectors, development partners, and healthcare institutions. The gathering reflected a shared national commitment to improving access to advanced medical services.
Representing NMB Bank, the Director of Investor Relations, Sustainability and Corporate Communications, Innocent Yonazi, noted that the pledge aligns with the bank’s broader mission to support national development priorities.
“This contribution reflects our belief in strengthening healthcare systems in Tanzania. As a bank, we allocate one percent of our profits to Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and health remains one of our key focus areas,” he said.
He emphasized that the partnership is not just about financial support but about creating lasting impact.
“We are proud to be part of this effort to expand access to life-saving treatments. This is not just a financial contribution—it is an investment in the well-being of Tanzanians.”
Reducing the Burden of Overseas Treatment
Speaking as Guest of Honour, Treasury Registrar, Nehemiah Mchechu highlighted the national importance of investing in specialized healthcare services locally.
“These are very critical treatments. As a country, we should feel privileged to have a hospital capable of offering them,” he said.
He underscored the heavy financial and emotional toll faced by many Tanzanians forced to seek treatment abroad.
“Many have lost their lives simply because they could not afford treatment outside the country. Strengthening local capacity will not only save costs but also save lives.”
Bridging the Accessibility Gap
On his part, the Managing Director of Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Prof. Abel Makubi, expressed gratitude for the support while stressing the urgent need for continued collaboration.
“We introduced these specialized services with a clear understanding of the challenges faced by many Tanzanians, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds,” he said.
While acknowledging progress in offering these treatments locally, he pointed out that affordability remains a key challenge.
“Although the services are now available within the country, the costs are still significant. This fundraising initiative is therefore crucial in enabling more patients to access the care they need, regardless of their financial situation.”
Driving Long-Term Impact
Under the agreement, NMB Bank will disburse TZS 250 million annually, directly supporting infrastructure, medical equipment, and patient care programs related to bone marrow transplants and kidney treatment.
Beyond immediate healthcare improvements, the initiative is expected to:
- Reduce reliance on overseas medical referrals
- Retain healthcare spending within Tanzania
- Build local expertise in specialized medical fields
A Collective Step Forward
The fundraising event stood as a strong demonstration of collective national effort, with multiple stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Tanzania’s healthcare system.
As the country continues to expand its capacity in specialized medical services, partnerships like this between NMB Bank and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital highlight the power of collaboration in transforming lives, improving health outcomes, and driving sustainable national development.
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